Former union leader and stalwart of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Hon. Joseph Iranola Akinlaja, has joined Nigerian workers in commemorating the 2025 International Workers’ Day.
Hon. Akinlaja, who once served as the Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) under Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, expressed deep concern over the deteriorating conditions of Nigerian workers. Speaking in solidarity, he remarked that the welfare and dignity of workers can no longer be guaranteed due to prevailing government policies.
Citing a recent World Bank projection, he noted that by the end of 2025, an estimated 13 million more Nigerians will fall below the poverty line, adding to the existing 129 million already living in poverty. He stressed that workers are not exempt from this harsh economic reality, as inflation and rising living costs continue to erode their purchasing power.
In his words, “It is the neo-liberal and pro-market policies imposed by the World Bank and International Monetary Fund (IMF) on Nigeria’s government—often through exorbitant interest loans and conditional grants—that are the main reasons behind the socio-economic crisis facing Nigeria today.”
The former Secretary-General of NUPENG and two-term member of the House of Representatives (representing Ondo East and West Federal Constituency) encouraged workers to remain steadfast, resilient, and to explore alternative strategies in making their demands heard by the government.
Akinlaja concluded on a hopeful note, saying, “Though the pain is real, it will soon be painless. A better future is possible if we remain united and persistent in our quest for justice and fairness.”