Labour Union Orders Mass Protests on May 1st Amid Stalled Minimum Wage Talks

The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a directive to workers across the country to commemorate the 2026 May Day with street rallies, citing the non-implementation of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act in some states as the reason for this action.

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This directive was outlined in a statement signed by the NLC General Secretary, Mr Emmanuel Ugboaja, on Friday in Abuja, and is titled: “Observe 2026 May Day on the Streets if the National Minimum Wage Act has not been fully implemented in your state.”

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According to Ugboaja, the directive is necessary due to the alleged failure of some state governments to comply with the law, prompting the need for workers to take a stand and demand the full implementation of the wage act.

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Ugboaja stated that in states where the new wage has not been fully implemented, there would be no indoor ceremonies or official receptions, and instead, workers would gather at designated locations to embark on peaceful processions.

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Workers have been instructed to assemble at labour houses, union secretariats, or public squares by 7:00 a.m. on May 1, 2026, and from there, they would proceed on organised street processions across state capitals.

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The processions are scheduled to terminate at key government locations, including State Government Houses, Houses of Assembly, or offices of Heads of Service, where the union's demands would be submitted.

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Ugboaja emphasized that the 2024 Minimum Wage Act is binding on all states and must be implemented without exception, stressing the importance of full compliance with the law.

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He warned that any state council chairperson who fails to comply with the directive would face disciplinary action, underscoring the union's commitment to pressing for the full implementation of the wage law and related consequential adjustments.

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Ugboaja urged workers to remain peaceful, united, and resolute in all activities marking the 2026 May Day celebration, as they advocate for their rights and demand the implementation of the wage act.