By Milcah Tanimu

The Federal Government has granted a salary boost of 25% to 35% for civil servants under the six remaining Consolidated Salary Structures. Additionally, pensioners under the Defined Benefits Scheme (DBS) will also benefit from a pay rise.

This announcement coincides with May Day, a time when labor leaders reflect on the challenges faced by workers and the broader populace over the past year.

The salary increase covers various sectors, including the Consolidated Public Service Salary Structure (CONPSS), Consolidated Research and Allied Institutions Salary Structure (CONRAISS), Consolidated Police Salary Structure (CONPOSS), Consolidated Para-military Salary Structure (CONPASS), Consolidated Intelligence Community Salary Structure (CONICCS), and Consolidated Armed Forces Salary Structure (CONAFSS). Notably, employees in tertiary education and health sectors have already received raises, including those under Consolidated University Academic Salary Structure (CONUASS), Consolidated Tertiary Institutions Salary Structure (CONTISS), Consolidated Polytechnics and Colleges of Education Academic Staff Salary Structure (CONPCASS), Consolidated Tertiary Educational Institutions Salary Structure (CONTEDISS), Consolidated Medical Salary Structure (CONMESS), and Consolidated Health Sector Salary Structure (CONHESS).

The salary adjustments, effective since January 1, 2024, aim to alleviate financial burdens for workers and pensioners. However, amidst celebrations, labor leaders express concerns over the hardships endured by workers due to government policies. Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar concurs, stating that Nigerian workers have faced unprecedented challenges due to policies that neglect their welfare.

Meanwhile, the government has declared May Day a public holiday. The All Progressives Congress (APC) assures that measures are in place to mitigate the impacts of government policies, emphasizing the need for proper engagement with Nigerian workers.

Labour leaders lament the lack of respite for workers, citing anti-poor policies such as fuel price hikes and currency devaluation. They underscore the importance of fair wages and collective bargaining agreements to alleviate workers’ plight.

As the nation commemorates May Day, labor unions call for a renewed focus on workers’ welfare and collective interests. They urge the government to prioritize workers’ well-being and address socio-economic challenges affecting the populace.

Despite ongoing struggles, workers remain resilient, emphasizing the need for fair treatment and recognition from employers and government authorities. They emphasize the crucial role workers play in the nation’s progress and prosperity, urging for greater support and acknowledgment of their contributions.