Every first of May is set aside to commemorate International Workers Day also known as labour day.
It is a day to mark freedom of workers across the world.
For centuries, workers around the world have always had to struggle to earn living wages, and ensure safe working conditions.
The day was chosen due to an event on the other side of the Atlantic.
In 1884 the American federation of organized trades and labor unions demanded an eight-hour workday, to come in to effect as of may 1st 1886.
As a result of the workers agitations for improved wages and better welfare, the first May Day celebrations took place on may 1st 1890 after its proclamation by the first International Congress of Socialist Parties in Europe on July 14th 1889 in Paris, France, to dedicate May 1st every year as the “Workers day of International Unity and Solidarity.”
In Nigeria, May Day as a public holiday was first declared by the People“s Redemption Party (PRP) government of Kano State in 198o and became a national holiday on May 1, 1981.
It is most commonly associated as a commemoration of the achievements of the labour movement.
The holiday also known as International Worker’s Day or May Day is marked with a public holiday in over 80 countries.
However, it is obvious that this year’s celebration would be low key, as the country is battling with insecurity and Covid 19 pandemic, which had created problems for Nigeria.
The pandemic has killed thousands of people worldwide including
essential workers who died on duty.
Security of lives and property have turned to dream as kidnapping and abduction for money is becoming alarming.
For instance, an aids workers abducted by Boko Haram terrorists on a major highway in north east Borno State while some civil servants were also kidnapped while going to work in Ekiti State.
Apart from insecurity Nigerian workers have been faced with other problems in the discharging of their duties, mention should be made of the present socio economic problems, leading to high cost of living .
It is imperative for all and sundry to take responsibility of safety of lives and property of workers as it should not be left in the hand of government alone.
Government should step up effort in protecting the security of lives and create enabling environment in the workplace for optimal performance.
The Nigeria Labour Congress and the trade union congress must equally rise to the struggles of Nigerian workers more than before.
The two labour unions must ensure job and wage protection by working round the clock to support incentives are provided for all workers in the formal and informal sectors.
It is essential that governors raise their internally generated revenues, igr, in their domain by tapping into local resources to provide for workers welfare.
To mark this year workers day, the Federal Government has declared monday May 3 as public holiday to mark this year’s International Workers Day celebration.
The minister of interior, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola commended workers for their patience, understanding and support in driving the policy and programmes of President Mohammadu Buhari, saying government is putting all strategies in place to curb the challenges of insecurity to make the country safe and peaceful for all Nigerians including workers.
Olukemi Akintunde
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