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.
In official directives dated April 22, 2025, and signed by NLC Deputy General Secretary Ismail Bello, the NLC instructed affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to observe Workers’ Day only within the state NLC secretariat through peaceful rallies. In Edo State, unions are to commemorate the day independently at their respective union offices.
The NLC condemned the emergency rule in Rivers State—where a sole administrator has replaced the elected government—and demanded the immediate restoration of democratic governance. It urged workers to use May Day to advocate for democratic rule, better welfare, and freedom for citizens.
In Edo State, the cancellation stems from ongoing leadership disputes within the NLC council, exacerbated by alleged government interference. The NLC emphasized its commitment to resolving the leadership crisis internally without external influence.
No Acting Chairman Recognized
Meanwhile, the NLC has discredited a circulating directive purportedly issued by an “Acting State Secretary” calling workers to a government-organized parade. The union clarified that the post does not exist within its structure and denounced the document as fraudulent. Workers were urged to disregard the fake announcement and adhere to the NLC’s directive to hold independent celebrations.
Background to the Crisis
Tensions between the Edo State Government and the NLC have been high since the government rejected Comrade Olaye Odion’s leadership of the state council, citing his political stance during the last gubernatorial election. Allegations of factionalization and external meddling have marred relations, with mediation attempts by the NLC and Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment failing to resolve the impasse.
The national NLC leadership canceled the centralized May Day celebration in Edo to prevent a repeat of violent clashes seen in similar disputes elsewhere, such as Imo State two years ago.
NLC President Joe Ajaero reaffirmed the union’s commitment to defending workers’ rights and labour independence amid political challenges.
