May Day 2026: Comrade Adeniyi Laments Hardship, Insecurity Facing Nigerian Workers

By Admin, Pan Afric Reporters

The National President of the Construction and Civil Engineering Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Dr. Ayodeji Adeyemo has expressed deep concern over the worsening conditions faced by Nigerian workers, particularly in the construction sector. Speaking in commemoration of the 2026 Workers’ Day,

Adeyemo said the theme of this year’s celebration accurately reflects the harsh realities confronting workers, especially the growing insecurity across the country. He noted that construction workers, who often operate in remote locations and across major cities, are increasingly exposed to danger, with cases of kidnapping and killings becoming more frequent. “In our sector, workers operate in remote areas, bushes, cities, and across the nation. Sadly, many have been kidnapped or even killed — not just at job sites or on the roads, but sometimes in their own homes.

The theme speaks directly to the reality of Nigerian workers,” he said. On workers’ welfare, Adeniyi criticized the current minimum wage, describing it as inadequate in the face of rising living costs. “No reasonable person can say ₦70,000 is sufficient to sustain a household when a bag of rice is nearing ₦50,000. Workers still have to cover transportation, security, and other basic needs. It is simply unrealistic,” he stated. He further lamented that even highly skilled professionals in the construction and civil engineering sector are struggling to make ends meet, with some forced to live at construction sites due to the high cost of accommodation.

“We are professionals and managers, yet some of our members sleep at construction sites because they cannot afford decent housing. That raises serious questions about the kind of country we are building,” he added. Adeniyi also highlighted the impact of rising fuel prices, noting that diesel now sells for over ₦2,000 while petrol is around ₦1,380, significantly increasing transportation and operational costs.

According to him, the country’s security situation has deteriorated to the point where even short journeys are considered risky. “Travelling from Abuja to Lokoja, a distance of about 150 kilometres, now requires serious concern over safety. The fear of kidnapping is real, and that is not how a nation should function,” he said. He called on the government to move beyond promises and take concrete steps to address the country’s challenges, stressing that Nigerians deserve better. “The government is aware of what is happening.

This is not the time for rhetoric; it is time for decisive action,” Adeniyi said. He further noted that insecurity in Nigeria now goes beyond physical threats, affecting jobs, food access, healthcare, and overall economic stability. “We are facing job insecurity, food insecurity, health insecurity, and economic insecurity. The situation is critical,” he added. Adeniyi urged leaders at all levels to prioritise the welfare and safety of citizens, warning that the current trajectory is unsustainable.