President Tinubu Reaffirms Labour Commitments at Pa Michael Imoudu’s 20th Memorial
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu used the 20th posthumous anniversary of one of Nigeria’s foremost labour icons, Pa Michael Imoudu, to reiterate the administration’s pledge to workers’ welfare, social justice, and sustained dialogue with organized labour. In a ceremony that drew union leaders, government officials, and wary observers of Nigeria’s industrial landscape, the President underscored that the country’s development plan cannot advance without robust engagement with the workforce that fuels it.
Strengthening Social Justice and Economic Inclusion
Speaking to attendees, Tinubu described social justice as a foundational pillar for a stable and productive economy. He noted that fair wages, safe working conditions, and access to essential social protections are not mere concessions but strategic investments that unlock higher productivity, reduce informal sector vulnerabilities, and promote long-term resilience in the face of global economic shifts.
The President highlighted policy directions aimed at improving the living standards of Nigerian workers, including payroll reforms, targeted social safety nets, and capacity-building programs designed to enhance employability in both public and private sectors. By positioning workers’ welfare at the center of economic policy, Tinubu argued, the administration seeks to bridge gaps between growth and shared prosperity.
Constructive Engagement with Organized Labour
At the memorial event, the administration reaffirmed its readiness to engage in constructive, respectful dialogue with unions across the country. Tinubu emphasized a collaborative approach, encouraging leadership from both sides to participate in negotiations that balance economic realities with workers’ aspirations. He urged unions to maintain peaceful channels for dialogue, warning that social stability is a prerequisite for sustainable development.
Parleys between government ministries and labour leaders are expected to focus on occupational safety, wage reforms, and social protection schemes that can be scaled to cover vulnerable workers in both formal and informal sectors. The aim is to create a more predictable and fair operating environment that can attract investment while safeguarding workers’ rights.
Pa Michael Imoudu’s Legacy and Nigeria’s Future
In commemorating Pa Michael Imoudu, Tinubu paid tribute to a figure who helped shape Nigeria’s labour movement and industrial relations framework. The President noted that Imoudu’s insistence on dignity for workers and his relentless pursuit of pragmatic, peaceful negotiation remain deeply relevant as Nigeria navigates post-pandemic recovery and diversification challenges.
Officials used the occasion to reflect on how the legacy of Imoudu can guide today’s policies, especially in institutions tasked with facilitating dialogue between employers, workers, and the state. The government’s commitment to predictable rules, fair bargaining, and transparent dispute resolution mechanisms was framed as a continuation of Imoudu’s mission to secure better livelihoods for Nigerians without compromising social cohesion.
Looking Ahead: Concrete Steps and Accountability
Beyond rhetoric, the administration signaled concrete steps toward measurable progress. This includes accelerating reforms in the minimum wage regime, expanding access to health and pension benefits, and improving occupational safety standards across high-risk sectors. The President also called for improved data collection and monitoring to track the impact of welfare initiatives and to ensure that resources reach workers in both urban centers and rural communities.
For Nigeria’s labour ecosystem, the message is clear: commitment to workers’ welfare, reinforced through sustained dialogue and accountable governance, remains a defining priority. As the Imoudu anniversary invites reflection, it also serves as a prompt to translate legacy into actionable policy that supports workers and strengthens the social contract.
