NLC cancels Workers’ Day parades in Rivers, Edo
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has cancelled centralised May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing political crises, emergency rule and alleged government interference.
In Rivers State, the NLC opposed the imposition of emergency rule and the appointment of a sole administrator, calling instead for the reinstatement of the democratically elected government. Meanwhile, in Edo, the NLC is protesting what it describes as political meddling and factionalisation within its state council.
The decisions were communicated in separate letters dated April 22, 2025, addressed to the NLC chairmen in both states and signed by the Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello.
In Rivers, the national leadership directed all affiliated unions to restrict Workers’ Day activities to a peaceful rally at the state NLC secretariat, emphasising messages focused on restoring democracy, improving workers’ welfare and defending civic freedoms.
The letter to Rivers NLC Chairman, Alex Agwanwor, read in part: “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.
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“The rally should include messages advocating democratic governance, improved welfare for workers, and the people’s yearning for freedom and liberty.”
Similarly, in Edo State, unions have been instructed to hold independent celebrations within their respective union offices. The directive comes amid an unresolved leadership crisis between the NLC and the Edo State Government, which had rejected the election of Olaye Odion as the state NLC chairman, allegedly due to political tensions ahead of last year’s governorship election.
The letter to Odion stated: “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.”
Relations between the Edo State Government and the NLC have remained strained, with the government accused of orchestrating factional divisions and rebuffing mediation efforts by the national NLC leadership and the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment. Despite repeated interventions, no resolution has been achieved.
