May Day 2026: NULGE Scribe Raises Alarm Over Insecurity, “Object Poverty,” Demands Urgent Government Action
By Onwe Wisdom, Pan Afric Reporters
As Nigeria commemorates the 2026 Workers’ Day, the General Secretary of the Nigerian Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE), Comrade Gambo Isa, has described this year’s theme as a true reflection of the country’s harsh realities, warning that insecurity and deepening poverty are pushing workers to the brink.
Speaking during the May Day celebration, Isa said the theme appropriately captures the current state of the nation, where rising insecurity and what he termed “object poverty” have become widespread.
“The theme of this year’s May Day is perfectly in order. If you look at the situation in Nigeria today, insecurity and poverty are exactly what we are facing. We must work hard collectively to bring these challenges to a standstill,” he said.
On insecurity, the NULGE scribe acknowledged government efforts but insisted that more decisive action is urgently needed.
“We are not saying the government is not doing anything, but what is being done is not enough. The situation is getting terribly out of hand. Government must be up and doing and intensify efforts to secure lives and property,” he stressed.
Addressing the issue of workers’ welfare, Isa expressed strong dissatisfaction with the current wage structure, arguing that what is obtainable today cannot be regarded as a true minimum wage.
“We don’t have a minimum wage in practical terms because what workers earn cannot even take them home. We are advocating for a ‘take-home minimum wage’ that reflects the current economic realities,” he said.
He illustrated the severity of the situation by pointing to the soaring cost of basic commodities.
“When a bag of rice costs between ₦60,000 and ₦70,000, you can imagine the burden on workers who still have other family responsibilities. The current wage is simply not sustainable,” he added.
Despite the grim outlook, Isa commended Nigerian workers for their resilience and continued faith in the labour movement.
“I want to celebrate Nigerian workers and thank them for their patience. They have shown great resilience and confidence in the labour movement. We assure them that we will continue to do our best to ensure a better outcome for all,” he concluded.
