The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its state chapters to stage street protests during the 2026 May Day celebrations in states that have failed to fully implement the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
In a circular issued to its state councils and signed by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union condemned what it described as widespread violations of the law by several state governments.
It cited issues such as the failure to implement consequential salary adjustments, delays in payment, and the exclusion of local government workers, primary school teachers and health personnel.
The NLC stressed that May Day, traditionally observed as a time to celebrate workers’ rights and solidarity, must not be reduced to mere ceremonies in states where those rights are being undermined.
It warned that holding events in government houses or banquet halls under such conditions would amount to endorsing injustice.
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“This constitutes not only a breach of the law but an assault on the dignity of Nigerian workers,” the statement said.
According to the directive, workers in affected states are to converge at labour houses, union secretariats or designated public spaces from 7:00 a.m. on May 1, before embarking on peaceful processions through major streets in their respective state capitals.
The marches are expected to end at key government institutions, including state government houses, state assemblies or offices of heads of service, where formal demands will be presented.
The Congress maintained that the directive is binding, warning that any state council leadership that replaces the planned protests with indoor celebrations in defaulting states would face disciplinary action.
“Comrades, the 2024 Minimum Wage Act did not come through supplication. It came through struggle,” the statement noted, adding that celebrating indoors while workers’ rights are being violated would amount to a betrayal.
The NLC said the move signals a shift from passive commemoration to active resistance, urging workers across the country to return to the streets in defence of their rights and hard-earned gains.