Today is June 12. Public holiday. Democracy Day. We remember Moshood Kashimawo Olawale Abiola and that 1993 election that never stood. The day we were told our votes mattered, then told they did not.
But for the average Nigerian worker waking up this morning, what does democracy actually feel like in 2026?
The reality check
Salary drops, but transport and market take all before the month ends. Fuel now sells between 1,350 and 1,450 naira per litre, depending on your station. That alone decides if you can afford to go to work. In Port Harcourt, a plate of food that was 500 naira two years ago is now 3,500 to 4,500. Minimum wage went up, but so did rent, fuel, and school fees. You do the math.
Nigeria Labour Congress still shouts for us, but we have learned not to wait for miracles. The real wins are smaller: salary that comes on time, leave that actually gets approved, a boss who listens.
So what does June 12 mean?
It means we are still here. Still working. Still hoping this democracy business pays off beyond public holidays and speeches. It means remembering that people died so we could choose our leaders, and holding those leaders to the basics: bring down fuel and food prices, pay us fairly, create real jobs, make life livable.
Enjoy the holiday. Rest small. Because on Monday, it is back to work. And we give thanks to God the giver of life who has the equation that sums us as equal.
Happy Democracy Day.
Long live Nigeria workers
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
– Isaac K. Obajemu writes from Lokoja.
