The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed workers in states that have not fully carried out the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to mark the 2026 May Day with protests instead of the usual indoor celebrations.
The decision was announced on Friday, as the union accused some state governments of failing to obey the law that increased the minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000.
The law was signed on July 29, 2024, after discussions between the Federal Government, labour unions, and the private sector.
May Day, celebrated every May 1, is a global event set aside to recognise workers and their role in national growth.
However, the labour union said this year’s event should also serve as a time to assess the condition of workers and push for better treatment.
In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the NLC said many states are yet to apply the new wage properly.
It stated that some governments have not adjusted salaries for senior workers, while others have failed to pay the new wage regularly or extend it to local government staff, teachers, and health workers.
The union described these actions as a clear violation of the law and unfair to workers across the country.
As a result, the NLC instructed its state councils in affected areas to avoid any May Day events organised by such state governments.
It said there should be no gatherings in government houses, banquet halls, or any indoor venues linked to those states.
Instead, workers are expected to gather at labour houses, union offices, or open public spaces by 7:00 a.m. on May 1.
From there, they will march through major areas in their state capitals in peaceful processions.
Each state council has also been told to choose a route that will end at key government offices such as the Government House, the State House of Assembly, or the office of the Head of Service.
At the end of the march, workers will submit their demands to the authorities.
The union warned that the directive must be followed strictly. It added that any state leader who ignores the order or replaces the protest with a normal celebration will face disciplinary action.
Reports on how each state complies are expected immediately after the event.
The NLC also pointed out that the minimum wage increase was achieved after a long struggle and should not be treated lightly.
It maintained that celebrating indoors while workers’ rights are not respected goes against the purpose of the day.
