Insecurity, Harsh Economy Top Concerns as Labour Leader Demands Urgent Action
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
As Nigeria marks the 2026 Workers’ Day, the President of the Maritime Workers’ Union of Nigeria, Comrade Francis Bonu, has raised alarm over the twin challenges of worsening insecurity and a biting economic climate, warning that both are severely impacting workers’ welfare and national productivity.
Speaking in an interview, Bonu described insecurity as a “general issue” affecting all Nigerians, not just union members. According to him, the persistent wave of violence across the country has created an environment where neither work nor development can thrive.
“Insecurity is everywhere. It affects everybody in the country. Without a secure nation, there can be no meaningful work, no development—nothing can function,” he said.
He called on the government to take decisive leadership in tackling the crisis, urging authorities to “make everything humanly possible” to safeguard lives and restore confidence across the country.
“There is still time for the government to rise, put its house in order, and confront this challenge. Security is everybody’s responsibility, but the government must take the lead,” Bonu stressed.
On the economic front, the labour leader painted a grim picture of workers’ realities, noting that the current take-home pay of the average Nigerian worker falls far short of a living wage.
“The economy is not friendly. Workers are crying daily. What they take home can no longer take them home,” he lamented, referencing the recent increase in fuel prices as an added burden on already strained incomes.
Bonu therefore charged trade union leaders across sectors to intensify efforts in negotiating improved welfare packages for workers, emphasizing the urgency of constructive engagement with government and employers.
“It is now the responsibility of labour leaders to sit down with the government and employers to negotiate better pay and improved conditions for workers,” he added.
Reflecting on the significance of Workers’ Day, Bonu maintained that while each year holds equal importance, the central message remains unchanged: the demand for a better life for Nigerian workers.
“We are still asking for the same thing—better living conditions. That is the message labour is sending to the government and the world,” he concluded.
