By Chimezie Godfrey
Amid worsening economic hardship and growing inequality, the Founder of the Vivian Bello Foundation, Vivian Bello, has issued a strong call for urgent reforms to improve the welfare of Nigerian workers, warning that women in particular continue to bear the heaviest burden.
In a stirring message to mark this year’s International Workers’ Day, Bello praised Nigerian workers for their resilience but insisted that their sacrifices must now be matched with tangible improvements in living and working conditions.
“Your labour, sacrifice, and determination remain the fulcrum upon which our society runs,” she declared, noting that despite their central role in national survival, many workers continue to struggle under harsh economic pressures.
She painted a vivid picture of the daily realities faced by Nigerian workers, including rising costs of living, job insecurity, and inadequate welfare systems, stressing that these challenges have placed immense strain on households nationwide.
Bello, however, reserved her strongest remarks for the condition of working women, whom she described as “the invisible backbone” of the economy.
“From markets to farms, offices, homes, and even the military, Nigerian women are contributing immensely while also nurturing families and sustaining communities,” she said.
According to her, women are uniquely burdened by the dual demands of economic participation and caregiving responsibilities, often without adequate institutional support or recognition.
She lamented that despite their contributions, women continue to face systemic discrimination in the workplace.
“Working women continue to face inequality, discrimination, wage gaps, unsafe working conditions, and limited opportunities for advancement,” Bello said.
Describing the situation as unacceptable, she called for immediate action from government and employers to address gender disparities and improve working conditions.
“There cannot be a more auspicious time for this wake-up call than now, as the world marks Labour Day,” she stressed.
Bello further argued that empowering women is not just a moral imperative but an economic necessity.
“When women are empowered, families thrive, communities grow stronger, and nations prosper,” she said, urging policymakers to prioritise gender-inclusive reforms.
She also called for stronger enforcement of labour laws, improved workplace safety standards, and policies that ensure fair wages and equal opportunities for all workers.
May Day: ‘Workers are suffering, women worst hit’—Bello demands urgent reforms
