On the Occasion of the 2017 Workers Day celebration, it is my pleasure to felicitate with Nigerian workers all over the country. I have always said that workers are the unsung heroes of our country. The relative comfort that we enjoy as a nation is as a result of the sweat and toil of the Nigerian worker. This occasion therefore offers us the opportunity to acknowledge the contributions of workers and also look at their fortunes which have taken a dip in this season of economic recession.
In recent times, it is no longer news that workers are owed salaries. Workers in some states of the Federation can’t even remember the last time they collected their salaries at the end of the month. And this in spite of the bailout packages paid to some of the states by the Federal Government.
The pathetic state of the Nigerian worker is a paradox in a nation that is abundantly blessed in material resources. Without any doubt, the Nigerian worker is the greatest victim of the mismanagement of the nation’s wealth.
Part of that mismanagement is driven by corruption. What should have been used to bring better life to Nigerians including workers is stolen by a few people that found themselves in positions of leadership. The stealing of our common patrimony must not be allowed to continue.
For Nigerian workers to be assured of better life, things must change. And part of that change is that the fight against corruption must be accorded more pride of place with workers themselves taking more active roles in this important campaign.
Most of the corrupt activities that go on in ministries, departments and agencies are not without the knowledge of workers. So, the onus is on workers themselves to resolve to put a stop to this looting by becoming active whistle blowers.
This will help instill more discipline in the use of public resources and ultimately guarantee a better future for us and our children.
Once again, I congratulate Nigerian Workers and wish them a prosperous year ahead.
Ibrahim Magu, Acting Chairman of the EFCC delivered the Goodwill Message on the Occasion of 2017 May Day at Eagle Square, Abuja
