Nigeria celebrated Workers’ Day 2025 with various calls for improved welfare, rights, and working conditions. The Inspector-General of Police, Kayode Adeolu Egbetokun, saluted Nigerian workers for their dedication to national unity, security, and sustainable growth. He also acknowledged the extraordinary service and sacrifice of police officers, reaffirming the Force's commitment to officers' well-being and a supportive work environment.

Peter Obi and Atiku Abubakar also celebrated Nigerian workers, highlighting their resilience amid economic challenges. Obi decried the high unemployment rate and called for aggressive investment in the productive population through education, health, and support for small businesses. Atiku emphasized the need to protect workers' dignity and entitlements, urging policymakers to treat the labor force as equal partners.

In Rivers State, Workers’ Day saw separate rallies by the NLC and TUC, calling for the restoration of democratic governance and improved worker welfare. The NLC condemned the removal of elected state officials, while the TUC demanded an end to emergency rule, warning of its economic and social consequences. The state’s Acting Head of Service and the Secretary to the State Government attended the NLC event, while the Administrator of Rivers State, Vice Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas, addressed workers, promising improved welfare.

In Bauchi and Edo states, workers gathered to celebrate May Day despite the harsh economic climate. Ajadi Oguntoyinbo, former Ogun State governorship candidate, urged the government to protect and support workers amid the rising cost of living, even after the minimum wage increase to N70,000. He called for policies that support decent livelihoods and encouraged workers to stay united.

The National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) called for inclusive and supportive workplaces for persons living with HIV, emphasizing the need for zero-discrimination policies. NACA highlighted that many people living with HIV are active members of the workforce and contribute to economic growth, but face health challenges and societal stigma.

The Lagos State chapter of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) urged the government to address long-standing demands of medical professionals to curb brain drain. The NMA proposed solutions including improved remuneration, better welfare packages, and a more conducive health sector environment. They also called for the payment of outstanding arrears and structural reforms to improve the working environment.

Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, identified several factors eroding workers' wages, including the withdrawal of subsidies, increased tariffs, inflation, the falling value of the Naira, and increased rents. Senate President Godswill Akpabio pledged that the 10th National Assembly would prioritize labor-friendly legislation. President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his commitment to prioritizing workers’ welfare, emphasizing continued collaboration with labor to advance Nigeria’s development. First Lady Oluremi Tinubu noted that Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the nation's development.

Legislators from Oyo State reiterated the need for stronger protections and improved conditions for the Nigerian workforce, urging state legislatures to enact laws promoting job security, fair wages, and better working conditions. The National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) hailed President Tinubu for promoting a noble workforce through reforms across sectors. The Labour Party (LP) called on Nigerian workers to back a political platform prioritizing their welfare and genuinely representing their interests.

In Ghana, the Ghana Bloggers Association paid tribute to the unsung heroes of the digital and traditional media landscape. Ghana also marked International Workers' Day with a grand parade at the Black Star Square in Accra, with President John Dramani Mahama and government officials participating. The Minister of Labour, Jobs, and Employment, Dr. Abdul Rashid Hassan Pelpuo, delivered a message of appreciation and commitment to Ghana’s workforce, urging renewed commitment to decent work, fair wages, and safe working conditions.

The organised Labour in Nigeria called on President Bola Tinubu to reverse the state of emergency declared in Rivers State. The Labour leaders demanded democratic accountability and an end to the suppression of dissent. Other demands included the withdrawal of tax bills, reduction in telecommunication tariff, immediate salary adjustment, and payment of outstanding allowances.