Comrade Issa Aremu, the Director General of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), has urged governments at all levels to prioritize labor development and workers’ welfare as the 2026 fiscal year takes shape. Speaking in Ilorin during an event marking his 65th birthday, the labor veteran emphasized that since labor is the primary creator of wealth, workers must be intentionally motivated to ensure high productivity and discipline in the workplace.
Aremu noted that while it is the responsibility of employers and the government to take labor issues seriously, organized labor must also play its part. He encouraged workers to avoid corruption and move away from constant work stoppages that disrupt the economy. Instead, he advocated for a culture of collective bargaining and social dialogue to resolve disputes amicably.
Reflecting on the progress made so far, the Director General praised the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for its labor record in 2025. Aremu highlighted that the current government has brought a sense of hope to Nigerian youths by focusing on job creation, ensuring job security, and maintaining the regular payment of salaries despite economic challenges.
He recalled that even during the 2022 campaign, President Tinubu was unique in his approach by creating a dedicated directorate to engage directly with organized labor. Aremu pointed out that the President’s promise to make fiscal and monetary policies work for the average worker is being realized through audacious reforms that have reshaped the Nigerian labor market over the last two years.
While acknowledging that public reaction to these reforms has been mixed—with some enthusiasts cheering and others remaining skeptical—Aremu argued that the Renewed Hope Agenda has been largely beneficial for workers. He cited the removal of the fuel subsidy as a move that freed up massive funds for all tiers of government, which has helped prevent the mass retrenchment of civil servants often seen during past administrations.
Aremu further noted that the current reform agenda is intentionally “job-led,” securing the positions of approximately 720,000 federal public servants. He also pointed to the creation of new institutions, such as the Ministry of Livestock and various regional development commissions, as evidence of thousands of new job opportunities being opened up for Nigerians. He concluded by calling on workers to remain supportive of the government to ensure continued welfare improvements and national growth.
