Workers in states where the National Minimum Wage Act of 2024 was either not implemented at all or only partially implemented have been instructed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to observe May Day in 2026 on their state’s streets in protest of the state governments’ refusal to abide by the act’s requirements.
Additionally, it prohibited the impacted employees from engaging in any type of indoor reception and threatened to penalize noncompliant members.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the congress expressed disapproval of the state of affairs when the government ignores the suffering of its employees.
The NLC statement, which was made available to reporters in Abuja on Friday, includes the following:
“From the National Congress leadership, we extend our fraternal greetings! May Day, the global working class holiday, has traditionally been a time for serious contemplation of the status of workers’ rights as well as a celebration of our joint efforts to consistently increase national prosperity.
Unfortunately, a number of state governments have persisted in breaking the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by refusing to fully implement its essential provisions, such as making consequential adjustments for senior workers, paying the new wage on time and regularly, and extending coverage to local government employees, primary school teachers, and healthcare professionals.
In addition to breaking the law, this is an attack on the dignity of Nigerian laborers.
As a result, the following instructions are given to all State Councils in states where complete implementation has not been attained:
1. There are no official or indoor receptions Government buildings, banquet halls, or any other enclosed space used by or in cooperation with state governments that are in default cannot host May Day ceremonies. There will be no more official receptions.
2. Street Parades as the Principal Event By 7:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026, all workers must gather in public squares, union secretariats, or designated labor houses. From there, you will march in peaceful, well-planned, and determined processions through the streets of your respective state capitals.
“Routes and Final Destination Every State Council must create a route that ends at the State Government House, the State House of Assembly, or the Head of Service’s office.
The terminus will get a written statement of demands.
All impacted State Councils must abide by this directive. In a defaulting state, any Chairperson who disregards this command or replaces it with any kind of passive celebration will be disciplined immediately. Immediately following, reports are anticipated.
“Comrades, prayer did not result in the 2024 Minimum Wage Act.
It arrived thru hardship. It would be a betrayal of that legacy to observe May Day indoors while our rights are violated. So let’s get back to the streets!
