The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers across states that have not fully implemented the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to observe May Day 2026 on the streets, suspending all indoor or official celebrations.

TVC News reported that President Bola Tinubu, after public concern over the rising cost of living, signed Nigeria’s new minimum wage bill into law on July 29, 2024, raising it from N30,000 to N70,000.

This amendment to the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 followed negotiations between the government, labour unions, and the private sector.

May Day is the International Workers’ Day, celebrated every year on the first day of May to honour workers worldwide.

In a Friday statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Emmanuel Ugboaja, made available to TVC News, NLC stated that violating the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act signed by President Tinubu is an assault on the dignity of Nigerian workers.

The statement reads, “We bring you fraternal greetings from the National leadership of Congress! May Day, the international day of the working class, has always been a Day of solemn reflection on the state of workers’ rights and the celebration of our collective efforts in continuously building the wealth of nations.

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“Regrettably, several State Governments have continued to violate the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act, refusing to fully implement its key provisions, including consequential adjustments for senior workers, regular and timely payment of the new wage, and extension of coverage to local government staff, primary school teachers, and health workers. This constitutes not only a breach of the law but an assault on the dignity of Nigerian workers.”

In states where full implementation has not been achieved, NLC directs that “No Indoor or Official Receptions. There shall be no May Day ceremonies inside government houses, banquet halls, or any enclosed venue hosted by or in collaboration with defaulting State Governments. Official receptions are hereby suspended.

“Street Processions as the Main Event. All workers shall assemble at designated labour houses, union secretariats, or public squares by 7:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026. From there, we shall take to the streets of your respective state capitals in peaceful, organised, and resolute processions.”

NLC further directed that the State Council, where implementations have not been achieved, design a route and final destination that terminates at either the State Government House, the State House of Assembly, or the office of the Head of Service.

The statement added that, “A formal memorandum of demands shall be submitted at the endpoint. This directive is binding on all affected State Councils. Any Chairperson who fails to comply or substitutes this directive with any form of passive celebration in a defaulting state shall face immediate disciplinary action. Reports are expected immediately after.”

“Comrades, the 2024 Minimum Wage Act did not come through supplication. It came through struggle. To celebrate May Day indoors while our rights are trampled upon is to betray that legacy. Let us therefore return to the Streets! Fraternally,” the statement concluded.