May Day: Labour rejects growth claims, says economy favors 1% as millions suffer

During the 2026 May Day celebration in Abuja, leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) warned that the country is drifting toward a dangerous tipping point. Joe Ajaero, NLC president, announced that new minimum wage negotiations would commence in July and threatened to direct workers to strike due to killings and kidnappings nationwide. The leaders criticized the disconnect between economic indicators and the reality faced by workers, who continue to live in poverty despite creating wealth.