Former presidential candidate, Peter Obi, has called for an urgent review of workers’ wages in Nigeria, warning that worsening economic conditions are eroding the value of labour and deepening hardship across the country.

In a statement released on Friday to mark Workers’ Day, Obi commended Nigerian workers across all sectors, describing them as the backbone of national development and survival.

He said workers continue to sustain families, communities, institutions, and the national economy despite what he described as severe economic hardship and uncertainty.

Obi expressed concern over the declining purchasing power of salaries amid rising inflation, food prices, transportation costs, and general living expenses.

According to him, it is unfair that workers who contribute to key sectors such as education, healthcare, agriculture, transport, and security are still not adequately rewarded for their efforts.

He warned that the current minimum wage can no longer guarantee a decent standard of living for Nigerian workers, given the persistent rise in the cost of living.

Obi stressed that no country can achieve meaningful development without a strong and well-supported workforce, noting that national progress is tied directly to the welfare of workers.

He added that when workers are empowered, the nation prospers, but when they are neglected, the entire system suffers.

Beyond economic concerns, Obi also urged workers to actively participate in shaping governance by demanding credible, competent, and compassionate leadership.

He called for a society built on justice, fairness, and respect for labour, insisting that such values are essential for national progress.

Obi concluded by reaffirming the need for comprehensive economic reforms that would restore dignity to work and improve living conditions for Nigerian citizens.