The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has called off centralized May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers and alleged political interference in its Edo State council.
The national leadership of the NLC has directed all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to hold Workers’ Day celebrations only at the NLC state secretariat. Likewise, unions in Edo State have been instructed to commemorate the day independently at their respective union secretariats.
According to reports, the directive was issued in separate letters dated April 22, 2025, to the NLC chairmen in both states.
The letters were signed by the Deputy General Secretary of the NLC, Ismail Bello.
The NLC expressed strong opposition to the emergency rule in Rivers State, which saw the appointment of a sole administrator, and called for the restoration of the elected government.
In Edo State, the Congress has been at loggerheads with the current administration over accusations of interference and the creation of factions within the state council.
Rivers State
In the letter addressed to Rivers State NLC Chairman Alex Agwanwor, the NLC stated: “In line with our tradition, Workers’ Day will be commemorated on May 1, 2025. This year, Congress has finalized arrangements to mark the day with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,’ to be observed across the 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.
“However, given the peculiar circumstances surrounding the subversion of democratic governance in Rivers State, the occasion calls not for fanfare, but for critical reflection on the need to restore democratic governance and prioritize the people in leadership.
“As a democratic organization, we must use this occasion to call for the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State. Therefore, you are directed to organize a peaceful rally within the premises of the Rivers State Council of the NLC, involving all affiliate members.
“The rally should include messages advocating democratic governance, improved welfare for workers, and the people’s yearning for freedom and liberty.”
Sources in Rivers State said labour leaders in the state have welcomed the directive and are enthusiastic about the plan. Reports also gathered that the state council of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has expressed willingness to join the NLC at its secretariat for a joint celebration, in alignment with national efforts to restore democratic institutions in the state.
Edo State
In a similar letter to Edo State NLC Chairman Olaye Odion, the Congress wrote: “In view of ongoing efforts to resolve the crisis within the NLC Edo State council and to bring about unity among affiliates, you are directed to inform all affiliates to make independent arrangements to commemorate the 2025 May Day at their respective union offices.
“We assure you that Congress will continue its efforts to resolve the crisis as soon as possible and urge all members to ensure a peaceful and hitch-free May Day celebration.”
No acting chairman
Meanwhile, the NLC has dismissed an unauthorized circular allegedly issued by someone claiming to be the “Acting State Secretary” of the Edo State Council, directing workers to attend a Governor’s parade on May 1st, 2025.
In a release by its Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello, dated April 26, among others, said “We categorically state as follows: Our earlier directive (Ref: 22nd April 2025) remains valid. Affiliates in Edo State are to commemorate the 2025 May Day independently in their respective union offices, in line with Congress’s efforts to resolve the ongoing crisis in the state council.
“The NLC has no official position known as “Acting State Secretary”. The individual behind this circular is an impostor, and his motives are highly questionable. We urge workers and the public to disregard this fraudulent document. He clearly neither works for the NLC nor for the workers.
“We reiterate that Comrade Bernard Joman Egwakhide is not known in any of our statutes or records as the Chairman of NLC in Edo State. When there is a change in the components of NLC’s Edo State council leadership, members of the Public and our social partners would be informed accordingly.
“It should be noted that May Day is a workers’ celebration, not a government’s event. No worker is under any compulsion to attend any government-organized parade. “Threats of sanctions for non-attendance are null, void, and a blatant unacceptable intimidation tactic. Trade unions are independent organizations that function in line with the dictates of their rules free from any external interference. We will take all measures to defend our independence and will stand firmly with workers of Edo State unconditionally.
“NLC reaffirms its commitment to resolving the Edo State Council crisis and ensuring a united, worker-centric celebration of May Day.
Genesis of the problem
The friction between the Edo State Government and the NLC reportedly stems from the government’s rejection of Odion’s leadership of the state NLC following political comments ahead of last year’s governorship election.
The government was accused of instigating factional divisions within the council.
Attempts by the national leadership of the NLC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to mediate were allegedly rebuffed by the Edo State Government.
Despite repeated pleas from the NLC to handle the matter internally as an independent body, no progress has been made.
It was also learned that Ministry of Labour and Employment officials advised the Edo State Government against interfering in the affairs of the state NLC, emphasizing its status as an internationally recognized, independent body and a core part of the tripartite structure in labour administration.
However, this advice seems to have had little effect.
An NLC official told newsmen that the decision to cancel the centralized May Day event in Edo was made to prevent possible clashes between the NLC-recognized state council and government-supported labour leaders—similar to violent confrontations that occurred in Imo State two years ago.
What you should know
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has canceled centralized May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo States, citing emergency rule and political interference.
Workers in both states are directed to mark May Day independently to safeguard the integrity and independence of the labour movement.
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