On the occasion of International Workers' Day, also known as May Day, being observed by workers worldwide, Nigerian workers are also marking this day. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has characterized the past year as a distressing and agonizing period for both workers and other individuals in Nigeria.

Workers in various sectors including petroleum, electricity, maritime, and manufacturing, among others, have expressed their dissatisfaction with the prevailing state of desolation, impoverishment, and despair in the country. They have called upon the incoming government to tackle the escalating issues of poverty, insecurity, unemployment, inflation, high cost of living, and general dissatisfaction prevalent in the nation.

Emma Ugboaja, the General Secretary of NLC, has expressed that the past year has been a grueling one for Nigerians, especially for those employed in various sectors. The education sector has been seriously affected, while the manufacturing industry has been inactive due to insufficient energy supply, layoffs, and high operating costs. The inability of operators to access foreign exchange has resulted in no growth, affecting workers, resulting in stagnant wages, and exacerbating unemployment and poverty across all sectors.

The road transportation sector suffered greatly due to the disruption in the supply of petroleum products for a considerable part of the year. This resulted in severe scarcity and exorbitant prices that were beyond the reach of many.

In addition, the health sector has continued to be in a pitiable condition. Government officials are content with driving government vehicles, residing in government-owned housing, among other privileges, but are reluctant to receive medical attention in government hospitals. The situation has been distressing.

The cost of living has reached an unconscionably high level, and the issues of unemployment, poverty, and the insecurity of life and property have become indescribable. The previous year was indeed dreadful.

Regarding the incoming government, the NLC General Secretary has stated that they anticipate a more vigorous struggle for the rights and welfare of workers. He cited President Buhari's remark earlier in his eight-year tenure, expressing his concern about how state governors could sleep peacefully at night despite owing workers significant amounts in salary arrears, as an indication that the President understands the suffering and emotions of workers.

Acknowledging the hardship and distress that working people and their families were experiencing due to his inability to effectively manage the refining capacity and fuel supply in Nigeria, the President resisted the urging of superficial economists who were against discussing production-related matters. Despite pressure, he refused to keep raising the fuel pump price, recognizing that doing so would only stoke the flames of dissent in the nation.

Nonetheless, the President-elect has made statements to the contrary during his campaign, expressing his intention to address the challenges associated with managing the downstream sector, regardless of the extent of protests and resentment it might elicit. This displays his apathy towards public sentiment.

We are ready to confront any obstacles that come our way because we have no alternative but to persevere in Nigeria. It is the workers who sustain the country while our leaders go on vacation abroad and seek medical attention in foreign hospitals. Without workers, there would be no Nigeria. We do not have the luxury of indulging in such behavior as our leaders do, as it is detrimental to our economy.

Our leaders prioritize their own health and education needs by seeking such services outside the country, at the expense of our economy. Meanwhile, it is the workers who sustain the Nigerian economy. As Nigerians, we have no choice but to fight and strive to keep our country afloat because we have nowhere else to go.

Our leaders have citizenship in multiple countries and own homes all over the world, while we are here in Nigeria with no other options. But we will not sit idly by and allow ourselves to be crushed. Though we may be down, we are not defeated. As the saying goes, "He who is down need fear no fall." We will persistently crawl, fight, and strive to get back on our feet.