Thousands of workers in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) joined their counterparts across Nigeria and around the world on Thursday to commemorate the 2025 International Workers’ Day, converging at the iconic Eagle Square in Abuja for a grand rally filled with colour, solidarity, and strong messages.
Clad in vibrant uniforms and attire representing various professions and sectors, the workers marched proudly into the venue, celebrating labour’s enduring contribution to national development.
Security was visibly tight, with operatives from the Nigeria Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) stationed at strategic points and manning thorough checks at all entryways to ensure a peaceful event.
The high point of the celebration was the joint address by the leadership of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). The labour leaders are expected to use the platform to speak on pressing national issues—chief among them, workers’ welfare, insecurity, economic reforms, and the much-anticipated implementation of a new national minimum wage.
Unlike standard media reports that tend to highlight the festivity alone, this year’s event also carried undertones of urgency and protest, as labour continues to push for a more equitable economic framework amid rising inflation and hardship.
The 2025 May Day rally served as both a celebration of resilience and a renewed call for action from policymakers to prioritize the needs and dignity of Nigerian workers.
