By Christiana Ekpa
The Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Benjamin Okezie Kalu has joined millions of Nigerians to salute the nation’s workers on the celebration of 2024 International Workers’ Day.
International Labour Day is celebrated on May 1 every year, to honour and appreciate the contributions of workers all around the world. The day recognises the hard work and dedication of people who work in various fields to make lives better.
The Deputy Speaker, in a statement by his special assistant on press affairs, Udora Orizu, extolled the resilience, commitment and dedication of the Nigerian workers, saying that he’s elated by the way they have been conducting themselves over the years.
Kalu stated that this years Workers Day, themed; “Ensuring safety and health at work in a changing climate,” resonates with the agenda of 10th House of Representatives towards addressing climate-change-related issues and ensuring a safer and healthier working environment for Nigerian workers.
He also stated that the theme underscores the urgency of addressing climate change’s impacts on occupational safety, health, and the necessity of safer work environments
Kalu said that the parliament is committed to fostering legislative actions geared towards protection of workers’ rights, better welfare for their labour and a safer and healthier workplace.
He also said that some of the legislative action to be taken include strengthening the National Environmental Standards and Regulations Enforcement Agency (NESREA) to effectively enforce environmental laws, regulations, and standards and ensure compliance with international agreements, conventions, and environmental treaties, among others.
Noting that the workers are the driving force of a country, the Deputy Speaker urged them to keep hope alive, assuring that governments at all levels are working together towards making life better for them.
He wished the workers a happy international worker’s day.
