The President of the Senate, Dr Bukola Saraki has described
Nigerian workers as the pillars and driving force of the nation in view of
their invaluable contributions to national development.
Saraki made this known in a message signed by his Special Adviser, Media and
Publicity, Mr Yusuph Olaniyonu, in Abuja at the weekend to mark this year’s
2017 Workers’ Day celebration.
He lauded the resilience and commitment of workers in both the formal and
informal sector describing their contribution to the nation and the economy as
“priceless’’.
“From the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) that contribute over 47 per cent
to our Gross Domestic Product (GDP), to the civil servants who are the driving
force behind our government;
“All the way to the unregistered business owners who work to make a living for
themselves and their families, every Nigerian worker in both the formal and
informal sectors makes a priceless contribution to the sustainability of our
nation.
“As we mark this year’s Workers’ Day, all Nigerian workers should be proud that
their significant contributions keep this nation moving forward as they are the
lifeblood of our country, an integral part of the fabric that makes up our
society,” he said.
Saraki said that the Senate would continue to work to establish and enhance all
legislations that would guarantee the safety and well-being of Nigerian
workers.
He also emphasised on the need for government across all levels and participants in the private sector to work toward ensuring that workers received their salaries and pensions as and when due.
He also emphasised on the need for government across all levels and participants in the private sector to work toward ensuring that workers received their salaries and pensions as and when due.
“As a result of globalization, the Nigerian workforce is no longer competing
with itself. We are now competing with our counterparts from both developing
and developed nations.
“With this in mind, it is necessary that all employers, those in the public and
private sectors, work to continuously invest in the development of their
employees,’’ he said.
Saraki said the upper chamber would continue to partner with Nigerian workers
to enact legislation that would guarantee that they got their dues at the
appropriate time.
The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Workers’ Day is observed May 1
each year to celebrate the achievements of workers.
Nation
