Workers to protests in streets over unpaid minimum wage on May 1

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers across the country to stage street protests on May 1, 2026, in states where the new minimum wage has not been fully implemented.

The order, issued in a statement by the union’s General Secretary, Emmanuel Ugboaja, signals a shift from the traditional May Day celebrations to a more confrontational show of dissatisfaction with state governments accused of ignoring the law.

According to the directive, workers in non-compliant states are to abandon indoor ceremonies and instead mobilise for coordinated public demonstrations aimed at pressing home their demands.

The union said the decision was necessary following what it described as continued violations of the 2024 National Minimum Wage Act by several state authorities.

No celebrations, only protests

Under the new plan, workers are expected to gather early on May Day at designated points such as labour houses, union offices, or public squares before embarking on peaceful processions across state capitals.

These marches, the NLC said, will move toward key government institutions, including state government houses, houses of assembly, and offices of heads of service.

At each destination, organised labour is expected to formally present its demands, with a central focus on the full enforcement of the minimum wage law and associated salary adjustments.

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The union made it clear that states which have not complied with the law should not expect the usual fanfare associated with Workers’ Day, as the occasion will instead be used as a platform for protest and accountability.

Pressure mounts on state governments

Ugboaja stressed that the minimum wage law is binding on all states without exception, warning that continued delays or partial implementation would not be tolerated by organised labour.

He also issued an internal warning, noting that any state council chairperson who fails to enforce the directive would face disciplinary action from the union.

The planned protests highlight growing tension between labour groups and subnational governments over wage implementation, a long-standing issue that often resurfaces after new wage laws are passed.

Despite the strong tone of the directive, the NLC urged workers to remain peaceful, organised, and united throughout the demonstrations, emphasising that the goal is to secure compliance through lawful means.

As May Day approaches, the scale of participation and the response from state governments will likely determine whether the protests escalate into broader industrial action or lead to renewed negotiations over workers’ welfare.