The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cancelled centralised 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 has asked all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to coordinate and limit Workers’ Day festivities to the state NLC secretariat.
Similarly, unions in Edo State will observe the day independently at their various union secretariats.
The mandate was sent to the NLC chairman in both states via separate letters dated April 22, 2025.
The letters were signed by the NLC’s Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello.
The NLC opposes the emergency rule in Rivers State, which involves installing a single administrator, and has called for the reinstatement of the elected administration.
In Edo State, the NLC is in conflict with the current administration over alleged involvement and faction formation inside the state council.
In the letter 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 finalised arrangements to mark the day with the theme: ‘Reclaiming the Civic Space amid 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 prioritise the people in leadership.
“As a democratic organisation, we must use this occasion to call for the restoration of democratic rule in Rivers State. Therefore, you are directed to organise 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.”
In a similar letter to its Edo State Chairman, Olaye Odion, the NLC, among others, wrote, “Given 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.”
Remember that the Edo State Government and the NLC have had a strained relationship since the government rejected Odion’s chairmanship of the state NLC in response to perceived political comments made in the run-up to last year’s governorship race.
The government apparently refused to collaborate with Odion and was accused of inciting factional divides within the state council.
The Edo State Government allegedly turned down attempts by the NLC’s national leadership and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment to resolve the dispute.
Despite numerous requests from the NLC to tackle the situation internally as an independent body, no progress has been made.
