A chieftain of the All Progressives Congress and member of the party’s National Working Committee, Aare (Hon.) Tolu Bankole, has condemned the delay or non-payment of workers’ wages in both public and private sectors, describing it as “criminal and inexcusable.”
Bankole, who is also the Chairman of the Governing Board of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti, said this in a statement on Wednesday to mark Workers’ Day.
He praised Nigerian workers for their resilience and dedication despite harsh economic conditions and what he called “gaps in governance.”
“From the classrooms to the farms, the hospitals to our armed forces, Nigerian workers remain the silent heroes of this nation,” he said.
The former Students’ Union President of the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, frowned at employers who owe salaries, allowances or pensions, saying such actions amount to economic sabotage.
“No worker should be owed a dime. A system that delays or denies people their pay is part of the problem,” he said.
Bankole also urged the government and private employers to pay a living wage, implement the new minimum wage without delay, and invest in better working conditions.
“Workers should be celebrated, not punished,” he added. “Their welfare is not charity; it’s a national responsibility that affects productivity, security, and unity.”
He also called for a corruption-free and efficient pension system, especially for retired workers who have served the nation.
Bankole assured workers of his continued support and advocacy beyond Workers’ Day.
