The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliates in Edo and Rivers states to conduct their 2025 May Day celebrations within the premises of their union secretariats, following the political and governance crises in the two states.
In separate letters dated April 22, 2025, and signed by Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello, the national leadership of the NLC instructed all industrial unions in Rivers State to organise Workers’ Day activities strictly at the state NLC secretariat, while unions in Edo State are to commemorate the day independently at their respective union offices.
The move follows the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers State and alleged political interference in the affairs of the NLC council in Edo State, both of which the Congress strongly opposes.
In its letter to the Rivers State NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, the NLC said:
“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.
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“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.”
Similarly, in the letter to Edo State NLC Chairman, Olaye Odion, the NLC noted: “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.”
The Congress emphasised that the decision was necessary to ensure safety, independence, and the spirit of Workers’ Day amid ongoing crises in both states.
Meanwhile, the NLC has dismissed as fake an unauthorized circular purportedly issued by an individual claiming to be the “Acting State Secretary” of the NLC Edo State Council.
The circular had directed workers to attend a government-organized May Day parade.
In a release dated April 26, 2025, Deputy General Secretary Ismail Bello clarified:
“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.”
The NLC also refuted claims that one Bernard Joman Egwakhide holds the position of Chairman of the Edo State Council.
“When there is a change in the components of NLC’s Edo State council leadership, members of the public and our social partners will be informed accordingly,” Bello stated.
Reaffirming the independence of trade unions, the NLC stressed that May Day is a workers’ celebration, not a government 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 the workers of Edo State unconditionally,” the NLC said.
The relationship between the Edo State Government and the NLC has been frosty following the government’s rejection of Olaye Odion’s leadership of the state NLC after his political comments during the 2024 governorship election.
The government was accused of engineering factional divisions within the state council, a move that the national leadership of the NLC and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment have tried unsuccessfully to resolve.
Despite mediation attempts and warnings from the Ministry of Labour that emphasized the NLC’s independent status under international labour laws, the Edo State Government allegedly continued to interfere.
The NLC stated that the decision to decentralise May Day celebrations in Edo was made to avoid possible clashes between the legitimate NLC leadership and government-backed factions, incidents similar to those witnessed two years ago during a violent confrontation in Imo State.
The Congress reaffirmed its commitment to safeguarding democratic governance, protecting the rights of workers, and ensuring that the Workers’ Day celebration remains a purely workers’ affair free from political manipulation.
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