The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday canceled centralised May Day celebrations in Rivers and Edo states, citing the imposition of emergency rule in Rivers and alleged political interference in the affairs of its Edo State council.

This is as the NLC has directed Chief Odion Olaye, the Edo state chairman of the NLC, to mobilise and inform all affiliate Union Bodies to make independent arrangements to commemorate 2025 May Day in their various union offices in Edo State.

The NLC, in a letter signed by the Deputy National Secretary, Comrade Ismail Bello, said efforts have been put in place to resolve the ongoing crisis of the Edo State Council of the NLC.

“All the 36 NLC councils across Nigeria are expected to actively participate in the May Day event, which is due on 1st May, 2025,” Bello said.

Chief Odion Olaye has, however, wished all workers in Edo State a successful May Day outing.

However, the national leadership of the NLC has directed all affiliated industrial unions in Rivers State to organize and limit Workers’ Day celebrations to the state NLC secretariat.

Similarly, unions in Edo State plan to commemorate the day independently at their respective union secretariats.

The directive was issued in separate letters dated April 22, 2025, to the NLC chairmen in both states.

The NLC said it opposes the emergency rule in Rivers State, which involved appointing a sole administrator, and has called for the reinstatement of the elected government

The NLC also indicated that it is at odds with the current administration over alleged interference and the creation of factions within the state council in Edo State.