Workers from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) gathered in large numbers at Eagle Square, Abuja, to celebrate the 2025 May Day festivities.
This year’s celebration holds special significance, coming months after the Federal Government, led by President Bola Tinubu, raised the national minimum wage to ₦70,000. The increase followed the removal of the fuel subsidy on May 29, 2023, a move that triggered widespread economic debate.
Despite the wage hike, many workers have expressed concern, citing Nigeria’s persistently high inflation and rising cost of living. There are growing calls for another review of the minimum wage to reflect current economic realities and safeguard workers’ welfare.
May Day, celebrated annually on May 1st, honors the contributions of workers to national development. At Eagle Square on Thursday morning, the atmosphere was lively, with workers in high spirits singing solidarity songs. Members of various NLC and TUC affiliate unions were dressed in colorful branded attires representing their respective organizations.
As of the time of this report, it remained unclear whether President Tinubu would attend the event in person or send a representative.
