The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cancelled centralized May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo States, citing the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers and alleged political interference in the affairs of its Edo State council.
The national leadership of the NLC directed all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to organize and limit Workers’ Day celebrations to the state NLC secretariat. Similarly, unions in Edo State are to commemorate the day independently at their respective union secretariats.
According to Vanguard, this directive was issued through separate letters dated April 22, 2025, to the NLC chairmen in both states. The letters were signed by NLC’s Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello.
The NLC strongly opposes the emergency rule in Rivers State, which involved appointing a sole administrator, and has called for the reinstatement of the elected government. In Edo State, the NLC is at odds with the government over alleged interference and the creation of factions within the state council.
Rivers State
In a letter addressed to Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, the NLC emphasized that May Day 2025 will be observed with the theme: “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship” across Nigeria. However, due to the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers, the NLC directed that the occasion should be a peaceful rally at the NLC Rivers Secretariat, advocating for democratic governance, improved worker welfare, and the people's freedom.
Sources revealed that labour leaders in Rivers welcomed the directive, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also expressing willingness to join the NLC in a joint celebration aimed at restoring democracy in the state.
Edo State
In a similar communication to Edo State NLC Chairman, Olaye Odion, the NLC instructed that affiliates make independent arrangements at their union offices for May Day 2025 celebrations, as efforts are ongoing to resolve the crisis within the Edo State NLC council.
The NLC also discredited a purported circular issued by an alleged "Acting State Secretary" directing workers to a government-organized parade. The NLC stated clearly that no such position exists and identified the individual behind the circular as an impostor. Workers and the public were urged to disregard the document.
The NLC reaffirmed that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is not recognized in any official capacity within the NLC, and stressed that May Day is a workers’ celebration, not a government event. Threats of sanctions for non-attendance at government parades were described as null and void.
The crisis in Edo began when the Edo State Government rejected Odion’s leadership of the NLC due to perceived political comments ahead of the last governorship election. Allegations of the government engineering factional divisions within the state council followed. Attempts by the NLC national leadership and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to mediate were allegedly rebuffed by the Edo State Government, despite advice against interfering in NLC’s affairs.
To prevent possible clashes, as seen in Imo State two years ago, the NLC decided to cancel the central May Day celebration in Edo..
