Speaker Abbas Acknowledges Economic Burden on Workers, Vows Legislative Support

Amid Nigeria’s ongoing economic reforms, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Abbas Tajudeen, has acknowledged the harsh realities facing workers and praised their resilience in the face of rising living costs and economic strain.

Represented by the Chairman of the House Committee on Labour and Employment, Adegboyega Adefarati, Speaker Abbas made the remarks during the 2025 May Day celebration in Abuja. He highlighted that while government reforms are beginning to yield positive results, the weight of the transition has placed a heavy burden on workers and their families.

“The rising cost of living has made it increasingly difficult to provide for our families,” the Speaker said. “Yet, despite these hardships, your spirit remains unbroken. You continue to show up every day with dedication and commitment—that’s the true spirit of labour.”

Speaker Abbas offered heartfelt praise for Nigerian workers, describing them as the bedrock of national progress. He emphasised that behind every successful nation are the tireless efforts of labourers who keep the machinery of governance, commerce, and community life running.

Referencing the symbolic resilience of nature, he quoted the late Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, likening Nigeria’s economic evolution to trees shedding old leaves or snakes discarding old skins—necessary, though painful, steps toward renewal and strength. He urged workers to stay committed to the transformation process, assuring them that their sacrifices were instrumental and already producing visible results.

In his address, Abbas noted that Nigerian workers have been crucial in advancing the Tinubu administration’s “Renewed Hope” agenda, crediting their role in driving key reforms and enabling government policies to achieve impact.

He also lauded the leadership of labour unions for their unwavering advocacy in securing better wages and working conditions, including the recent passage of a new national minimum wage act and wage awards.

Affirming the commitment of the National Assembly to worker welfare, the Speaker promised that the House of Representatives would continue to enact laws that safeguard labour rights and enhance good governance.

“As your representatives, our legislative agenda is committed to ensuring that we defend the mandate you entrusted to us by making laws for good governance, proper representation, and oversight of the executive,” Abbas said.

He announced that the House would maintain open communication with workers through initiatives like the upcoming Open National Assembly Week, scheduled for July 1st to 4th, 2025. The event, he said, would offer citizens and workers an opportunity to engage directly with lawmakers, offer feedback, and influence the legislative process.

Speaker Abbas concluded by reiterating that the welfare of workers remains a central focus of the House’s legislative mission, stating that “without workers, there is not much we can achieve.”