The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the nation’s largest labour union, has directed workers in states that have not fully implemented the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act to mark May Day 2026 on the streets, suspending all indoor or official celebrations.
President Bola Tinubu signed the new minimum wage bill into law on July 29, 2024, raising the national minimum wage from N30,000 to N70,000. The amendment to the Minimum Wage Act of 2019 followed tripartite negotiations between the government, labour unions, and the private sector.
May Day, observed annually on May 1, honours workers and labour movements worldwide. This year, the NLC is calling for both a reflection on the state of workers’ rights and a celebration of the collective efforts that continue to build the wealth of nations.
In a statement signed on Friday by its General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, the union condemned several state governments for persistently violating the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act.
It accused them of refusing to implement key provisions, including consequential adjustments for senior workers, regular and timely payment of the new wage, and the extension of coverage to local government staff, primary school teachers, and health workers. The NLC described these violations as not only a breach of the law but an assault on the dignity of Nigerian workers.
Consequently, the NLC directed all its State Councils in jurisdictions where full implementation has not been achieved to ensure that no May Day ceremonies take place inside government houses, banquet halls, or any enclosed venue hosted by or in collaboration with defaulting state governments. All official receptions have been suspended.