Jonathan made the call on Tuesday in Abuja in a speech at the 2012 May Day rally,
Jonathan also called on labour union leaders to evolve recommendations that would assist government to confront national challenges such as food insecurity, education and general insecurity.
He commended the unions for choosing ``Right to Work, Food and Education: A panacea to insecurity’’, as theme for this years’ celebration.
He commended them for demonstrating willingness to partner with government on development issues and in tackling security challenges bedeviling the nation.
He said: ``our administration clearly recognises the critical nexus between development and security.
``Our economy can only thrive maximally if we are able to effectively check the threats to our national security.
``I assure you that through our strengthened security posture, we have adopted a multi-pronged, concerted approach to ensure that we holistically resolve the issue of insecurity in Nigeria in the shortest possible time.
``The support of all Nigerians, especially our respected workers is crucial to the success of our efforts in this regard.’’
In his message of goodwill, Senate President David Mark said the National Assembly was committed to promoting harmonious labour and executive relations with a view to minimising labour disputes.
He noted that a number of Bills that affected the Nigerian workforce had been passed into law, while few remained at the committee level of the upper legislative house.
``These include the Local Content Act, the Wage Act, the Workmen Compensation Act and the recently-passed Institute of Registered Safety Professionals Act while the Workplace Safety and Health Bill is in its third reading.
Also speaking, the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Hon Aminu Tambuwal, commended Nigerian workers for being partners in progress with government.
On the theme of the celebration, Tambuwal noted that the prevailing state of insecurity in the country called for a multipurpose approach.
``I suggest that you carry the theme beyond the May Day celebration; it is a known fact that human capital is the greatest assert in a nation.''
He pledged the commitment of the National Assembly to the course of unionism in Nigeria.
In an address, the labour minister declared that the ministry stood in solidarity with Nigerian workers.
The minister’s speech, which was delivered by the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Tunji Olaopa, assured workers that the present administration’s transformation agenda would protect their interests.
``At all times, we would project and work to sustain all promises and agreements made with workers within the ambits that our institution permits.’’
In her remarks, the Minister of State for FCT, Olajumoke Akinjide, pledged the FCT administration’s commitment to the provision of houses for workers at affordable rates.
``We have a mass housing programme for the Federal Capital city and affordable housing programme for satellite towns such as Kuje, Bwari, Gwagwalada, in order to reduce the plight of workers who travel daily from far places to their offices.
``As a result of this far distance when the workers get to work, their productivity is diminished.”
The minister said that the administration was partnering with private developers to make the housing programme a reality.
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