Rep. Bamidele Salam Celebrates May Day, Champions Dignity, Decent Work, And Living Wages For Nigerian Workers
As nations across the globe commemorate Workers’ Day, Representative Bamidele Salam, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Accounts, has extended unwavering solidarity and admiration to Nigerian workers, hailing them as the heartbeat of national development and pillars of the country’s economy.
In a statement issued on Thursday by his media assistant, Joshua Afolabi, Rep. Salam, who represents Ede North, Ede South, Egbedore, and Ejigbo Federal Constituency of Osun State at the National Assembly, recognised the indispensable contributions of workers across sectors, from public servants and healthcare professionals to factory workers, artisans, and union leaders for their resilience, sacrifice, and commitment to progress in the face of economic adversity.
“Today is not merely a holiday; it is a solemn tribute to the Nigerian worker whose labour builds our roads, educates our children, heals our illnesses, and sustains our economy.”
“May Day is a powerful reminder of the dignity of labour and the urgent responsibility we share to protect it,” Salam said.
Emphasizing Decent Work, Fair Wages, and Social Protection, the lawmaker called on all tiers of government to prioritize meaningful engagement with trade unions, adopt a national living wage, and uphold the rights and welfare of workers and retirees alike.
“No worker should endure insecurity, salary delays, or unsafe working environments.”
“We must fortify labour laws, enforce workplace safety standards, and promote unionisation as a democratic right, not a privilege,” he stressed.
Rep. Salam also reaffirmed his legislative commitment to labour-friendly reforms in the National Assembly, including better protections for informal workers and gender equity in the workplace.
“At a time when inflation bites and economic uncertainty persists, we cannot afford to leave workers behind.”
“A just and prosperous Nigeria begins with honouring those whose hands build the nation,” he said.
Concluding his message, Salam urged a renewed national resolve to elevate the status of labour in both policy and practice.
“Let this May Day be more than a celebration; let it spark a national movement for dignity, justice, and renewed hope in every Nigerian workplace.”
Long live Nigerian workers. Long live the dignity of labour.
