WORKERS' DAY MESSAGE FROM THE NBA PRESIDENT

WORKERS' DAY MESSAGE FROM THE NBA PRESIDENT

Mary Akanbi

1st May, 2023

In commemoration of the 2023 International Workers' Day, the NBA President, Mr. Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN has commended the "resilience and steadfastness of Nigerian workers, who despite our national challenges continue to keep the wheels of the country running."

The NBA President called on the incoming government to focus on policies that will protect SMSEs, grow the middleclass and prioritize infrastructural development.

Members of the legal profession have also been urged to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by the NBA Employment Bureau, even as the administration through its Remuneration Committee is working assiduously with stakeholders, including the General Council of the Bar to resolve the perennial challenge of employee remuneration within the legal profession.

Please find attached for your reference the Statement of the NBA President.

Wishing you a Happy Workers' Day.

Akorede Habeeb Lawal 

National Publicity Secretary

WORKERS’ DAY MESSAGE FROM THE PRESIDENT OF THE NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION (NBA), MR YAKUBU CHONOKO MAIKYAU, OON, SAN. 

1 May 2023 

Distinguished Colleagues, 

As we join the rest of the world in marking the 2023 International Worker's Day, we are reminded that Nigerian workers – not oil, gold, or other natural resources – are our greatest resource. I salute the resilience and steadfastness of Nigerian workers who, despite our national challenges, continue to keep the wheels of the country turning. I 

celebrate them today, both those in the public and private sectors. I also commend the Self-Employed, Sole Proprietors and Entrepreneurs whose ingenuity and 

resourcefulness create employment opportunities despite current economic challenges. 

Now more than ever before, deliberate steps must be taken to safeguard the socio￾economic rights of workers. At the inaugural NBA State of the Nation Dialogue held on the 30 January 2023, which dwelt on the thematic areas of Security, Economy and the Judiciary, Discussants identified economic recession as a major factor in the 

insecurity, brain-drain, high levels of unemployment and underdevelopment. These symptoms can only be treated by addressing the root causes, implementing worker￾friendly policies as opposed to superficial interventions. 

I therefore call on the incoming administrations at Federal and State Government levels to initiate, reinvigorate and focus on policies that promote inclusiveness, protect 

SMSEs, grow the middleclass and prioritize infrastructural development. The Federal Government must take special care not to subject Nigerians to the harsh repercussions 

of hasty and untested policies. With the right tools and incentives, Nigeria will take its rightful place in the comity of nations. In addition to the foregoing, there must be 

increased accountability on subsidy spendings. The misappropriation and circumvention of monies earmarked for subsidies, especially petrol subsidy, must be 

treated as economic sabotage and those found culpable must be prosecuted. 

Within the legal profession, we are working to resolve the perennial challenge of employee-remuneration through the recommendations of the NBA Remuneration 

Committee. The proposed measures will bring respite to and improve the quality of living of our Colleagues. 

The NBA Employment Bureau created by the current administration to serve as an interface in bridging the supply gap of legal personnel in both the public and private

sectors, has been engaging with various stakeholders in line with its mandate. I urge our colleagues to take advantage of the unique opportunities offered by the Bureau. 

The NBA will continue to champion the continuous professional development of members of the Bar, ensuring that members of the legal profession are equipped with 

the skills to thrive not only in Africa but also in the global market, realizing that our competitors are no longer those within our immediate environment, but are rather 

spread across the globe. 

I wish all workers in Nigeria and abroad, particularly members of the legal profession, a Happy Workers’ Day. 

Long live the Nigerian Workers! 

Long live the Nigerian Bar Association!! 

Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria!!! 

Yakubu Chonoko Maikyau, OON, SAN 

PRESIDENT