Nigerian Workers Deserve Immediate Implementation Of New Minimum Wage, Says Advocate Tolu Bankole.
Aare (Hon.) Tolu Bankole, a dedicated champion of justice and workers’ rights, has called for the urgent and full implementation of Nigeria’s new national minimum wage across all states and institutions yet to comply. The former Students’ Union President of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, made the impassioned plea as he joined the nation in celebrating Nigerian workers on Workers’ Day.
In a heartfelt message marking the occasion, Bankole described Nigerian workers as “the mother of the nation,” lauding their competence, dedication, loyalty, and resilience in the face of economic challenges and governance shortcomings. “Today, I do not just celebrate Nigerian workers—I honour them,” he said. “From classrooms to hospital wards, farms to factories, civil service desks to our armed forces, Nigerian workers are the silent heroes, sacrificing daily to sustain national productivity.”
Bankole, who also serves as Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital in Ido-Ekiti, condemned the non-payment of wages, allowances, and pensions as “criminal and inexcusable.” He argued that any institution—public or private—that delays or denies workers their rightful entitlements is complicit in economic sabotage and must be held accountable.
The advocate urged all tiers of government and private sector employers to promptly and consistently pay a living wage, alongside bonuses, allowances, pensions, and gratuities. He stressed that workers’ welfare should not be treated as charity but as a national priority that directly impacts productivity, security, and unity.
“Workers should be celebrated, motivated, promoted, and preserved,” Bankole declared. He called for a conducive working environment, fair remuneration, regular capacity-building, and career progression opportunities. Additionally, he urged the government to establish a functional, digitised, and corruption-free pension system to uphold the dignity of retired workers who have served the nation honourably.
Reaffirming his solidarity with Nigerian workers, Bankole vowed to continue advocating for their rights, welfare, and honour beyond Workers’ Day. “Nigerian workers deserve nothing but the best,” he concluded, underscoring their critical role in holding the fabric of the country together.
The call for action has resonated widely, with workers’ unions and civil society groups echoing Bankole’s demand for swift implementation of the new minimum wage to alleviate the economic pressures faced by Nigeria’s workforce.