Today is Sober Workers Day, and it is also a call to action for urgent measures to address the various challenges faced by workers in Nigeria. One of the major issues is the need for a living wage, given the current high inflation rate and insecurity, which is exacerbating the food crisis. Many workers, including myself, struggle to cope with the unprecedented challenges of modern living, survival, and human security.
Workers across the globe are getting poorer while the wealthy and political elites continue to exploit and manipulate them. This prevents them from uniting and fighting for their right to decent work, adequate remuneration, an enabling work environment, and conducive working conditions. Those in the private sector who work underground (behind the scenes) are the worst affected.
My heart goes out to migrant workers and trafficking victims who are forced into exploitative labour. As the United Nations Special Rapporteur on Trafficking in Persons, Especially Women and Children, I have heard their tales of woe firsthand.
Is there hope for workers in Nigeria and beyond? Can we find our way to ‘Babylon’ or the promised land? Can we see the light at the end of the tunnel? I stand for decent work and fair wages and against forced labour. Let us stand in solidarity and comradeship as we observe yet another solemn Workers’ Day. Together, we can overcome the oppressors!
