The international workers day is an important day that seeks to celebrate and recognize the effort of workers to the development of their various circles. It is indeed a fragrant honour to fall into this category.

In every society, there are workers, who selflessly work to see to the actualization of their organizational goals and objectives. It’s this attitude that is celebrated on this day. The attitude of selflessness, devotion and commitment to duties at all levels.



Internationally, there are best practices to keeping it fit with the workforce, this is in terms of wages, incentives, welfare, prompt payments of salaries and dignity of labour. This indeed has been the major spotlight of workers day celebration worldwide.

The workforce in the Nigerian setting has always raised a major concern for every well meaning Nigerian. The plight of her workers has gone up so very high that if not nipped in the bud, would create a very vast difference from what is taken at the international level. If Nigeria would so crave for development, then, it should take into consideration the welfare of its workers, for no nation can rise above the status of her workers, the government at all levels should do all it can to keep at par with international best practices of recognizing the effort of its workers and reward them accordingly. But unfortunately, the opposite has always been the case.

Nigeria would be stuck in the bane of underdevelopment for a very long time, unless, its workers are treated with respect and honour that is due them. From the working period until retirement, the Nigerian workers have always been at the budding stage, never graduated from that level, they hardly get promoted, they are owed salaries for months, sometimes more than a year. Benue state is a typical example, especially the civil service. Their rights are not considered and interests not protected.

The Nigerian minimum wage of N18,000 on the other hand is laughable. In a country where infrastructures are at a scarce level, and individuals have to source out for day to day living, (housing, transportation, communication, medical care, power, foods, portable water, etc) are all at a distant point from reach. Can you see why Nigeria is developing at a pace that is not commensurate to the fast growing world? How can it grow when the bill for electricity in a month triples the minimum wage? How can Nigeria grow when the minimum wage of her workers is not even enough to cater for a sizable family?

On this day, I salute the Nigerian workers who in spite of the daring economic challenges they have marooned in, have always lived up to expectations, and shown resilience, tenacity and courage. I therefore call on the government to embrace the modern day realities of accepting best labour practices as contained in the International Labour Organization, such trends that will awaken the spirit of commitment in her workers. If Nigeria ever wished to keep up to par with international best practices, then there must be an awakening.

Happy workers day.

Source: http://www.benuereporters.com/2018/05/01/international-workers-day-a-note-for-nigeria-chrisray-awodi/

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