CAPPA Urges People-centred Reforms as Nigerian Workers Face Rising Cost-of-living Crisis

CAPPA Executive Director, Akinbode Oluwafemi

As Nigeria marks the 2026 International Workers’ Day, the Corporate Accountability and Public Participation Africa (CAPPA) has called on all tiers of government to move beyond symbolic gestures and implement people-centred reforms to address the country’s worsening economic realities.

In a statement issued on Thursday, CAPPA said this year’s May Day commemoration comes at a time when workers are grappling with rising living costs, stagnant wages, and weakening social protections.

Executive Director of CAPPA, Akinbode Oluwafemi, described the situation as critical, noting that survival has become increasingly difficult for millions of Nigerians.

He said soaring inflation, high rents, and shrinking incomes are eroding workers’ dignity, productivity, and overall quality of life.

The organisation highlighted a deepening housing crisis in major urban centres such as Lagos, Abuja, and Rivers State, where accommodation costs have surged beyond the reach of average earners.

CAPPA expressed concern over reports that some university lecturers and public sector workers now resort to sleeping in offices due to the high cost of rent.

It also criticised government policies perceived to favour political elites, particularly the allocation of land to public officials, warning that such decisions risk deepening inequality and public distrust.

While acknowledging efforts to review the national minimum wage, CAPPA stressed that wage increases alone cannot address workers’ challenges without measures to control inflation and reduce the cost of essential services.

The group further pointed to the declining state of public services, including healthcare, education, and transportation, which continues to place additional financial strain on workers.

CAPPA warned that the increasing commercialisation of basic services could widen inequality and push more Nigerians into precarious living conditions.

To address the crisis, the organisation called for a comprehensive national housing strategy, stronger labour protections, improved public services, and fiscal policies that prioritise the welfare of citizens.

It also urged labour unions, civil society groups, and policymakers to use the Workers’ Day platform to demand accountability and push for reforms that place workers at the centre of national development.

Reaffirming its solidarity with Nigerian workers, CAPPA emphasised that neglecting the workforce could have long-term consequences for the country’s economic stability and growth.