Empty Chairs, Silent Streets:Reactions Trail After Nigeria Workers Snub May Day Celebration in Abuja

 

According to Channels Television, Eagle Square, the iconic venue for Nigeria’s annual May Day celebrations in the heart of Abuja, was unusually deserted on the morning of May 1, raising concerns over workers’ participation in this year’s International Workers’ Day amid growing economic hardships.

The square, traditionally packed with thousands of workers from various sectors—including members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC)—was devoid of the usual crowds, banners, and celebratory atmosphere as of early Thursday. Only security personnel from the police and Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps were observed patrolling the venue, with no signs of organized labor activity or official gatherings.

Watch the video of the scene here.

This rare quietude is said to come at a time when many Nigerians are grappling with the consequences of sweeping economic reforms under the administration of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu. The removal of fuel subsidies and the unification of the exchange rate have contributed to sharp increases in living costs, with the inflation rate hitting 24.23%. Despite recent projections by the International Monetary Fund ranking Nigeria as the third-fastest-growing economy globally in 2025 with a 3.0% growth rate, citizens continue to express frustration over rising food prices, stagnant wages, and growing unemployment.

On social media platforms, Nigerians questioned the significance of celebrating workers’ achievements in a period marked by job losses and wage stagnation. “What are we celebrating when people can barely afford transport fares to work?” one user posted on X (formerly Twitter), echoing a common sentiment across online conversations.

See the screenshots of some of the reactions below: