From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers across the country to take to the streets on May Day, in states that are yet to fully implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
In a directive signed by the NLC General Secretary Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union said there would be no indoor celebrations or official receptions in states that are still defaulting.
It ordered workers to assemble at union secretariats, labour houses, or public squares by 7 a.m. on May 1, before embarking on peaceful street processions.
The NLC warned that each state must plan routes that end at the State Government House, State House of Assembly, or the office of the Head of Service, where a formal memorandum of demands will be submitted.
The Congress further cautioned that that any chairperson who fails to comply risks immediate disciplinary action.
“May Day, the international day of the working class has always been a Day of solemn reflection on the state of workers’ rights and the celebration of our collective efforts in continuously building the wealth of nations. Regrettably, several State Governments have continued to violate the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, refusing to fully implement its key provisions, including consequential adjustments for senior workers, regular and timely payment of the new wage, and extension of coverage to local government staff, primary school teachers, and health workers. This constitutes not only a breach of the law but an assault on the dignity of Nigerian workers.
“Accordingly, all State Councils in states where full implementation has not been achieved are hereby directed as follows: 1. No Indoor or Official Receptions. There shall be no May Day ceremonies inside government houses, banquet halls, or any enclosed venue hosted by or in collaboration with defaulting State Governments. Official receptions are hereby suspended. 2. Street Processions as the Main Event All workers shall assemble at designated labour houses, union secretariats, or public squares by 7:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026. From there, shall take to the streets of your respective state capitals in peaceful, organised, and resolute processions.
“Council shall design a route that terminates at either the State Government House, the State House of Assembly, or the office of the Head of Service. A formal memorandum of demands shall be submitted at the endpoint. This directive is binding on all affected State Councils. Any Chairperson who fails to comply or substitutes this directive with any form of passive celebration in a defaulting state shall face immediate disciplinary action. Reports are expected immediately after. Comrades, the 2024 Minimum Wage Act did not come through supplication. It came through struggle. To celebrate May Day indoors while our rights are trampled upon is to betray that legacy. Let us therefore return to the Streets!,” the notice read.
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