 has cancelled this year’s centralised Workers’ Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing political instability and interference.){kind=link}
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cancelled this year’s centralised Workers’ Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing political instability and interference.
The NLC leadership instructed all affiliate unions in Rivers State to observe the May 1 event quietly within the NLC state secretariat, while unions in Edo State have been directed to mark the day separately at their individual secretariats.
Separate letters conveying the directives, dated April 22, 2025, were addressed to the NLC chairmen in both states and signed by the Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello.
In Rivers, the NLC strongly opposed the declaration of emergency rule and the appointment of a sole administrator, demanding a return to democratic governance. In Edo, the union is protesting what it describes as government meddling in the state council’s affairs.
In a letter to Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, the NLC emphasized that this year’s Workers’ Day, themed “Reclaiming the Civic Space amid Economic Hardship,” would focus on advocating for the restoration of democracy rather than celebrations.
The letter read in part: “Given the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers State, this year’s May Day demands sober reflection, not festivities. Therefore, you are directed to hold a peaceful rally within the premises of the NLC council, focusing on democracy, workers’ welfare, and the call for freedom.”
In another letter to Edo State NLC Chairman, Olaye Odion, the NLC instructed unions to independently commemorate the day at their union offices, citing ongoing efforts to resolve internal disputes within the Edo State NLC council.
The union assured members that efforts to restore unity would continue and urged for a peaceful observance of May Day in the state.
Tensions between the Edo State Government and the NLC escalated following the administration’s refusal to recognise Odion’s leadership due to political disagreements leading up to last year’s governorship election.
The government was also accused of fueling divisions within the NLC council, frustrating mediation attempts by both the NLC’s national body and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment.
Despite appeals for a resolution, the dispute remains unresolved.