FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration

The Federal Government has declared Friday, May 1, 2026, a public holiday to commemorate this year’s International Workers’ Day celebration across the country.

The Minister of Interior, Dr. Olubunmi Tunji-Ojo, announced the holiday on behalf of the Federal Government in a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja by the ministry’s Permanent Secretary, Dr. Magdalene Ajani.

According to the statement, the government said the holiday would allow Nigerian workers to celebrate their contributions to national development and economic growth.

Tunji-Ojo praised workers across both the public and private sectors for their resilience, dedication, and commitment despite prevailing economic challenges facing the country.

He noted that Nigerian workers remain the backbone of the nation’s development and commended their continued sacrifices toward sustaining productivity and public service delivery.

“Nigerian workers have continued to demonstrate diligence, resilience, and patriotism in the face of challenges. Their efforts remain essential to Nigeria’s growth and prosperity,” the minister stated.

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The minister urged workers to continue embracing patriotism, productivity, discipline, and dedication to duty, describing these qualities as critical to sustainable national development and economic transformation.

“These qualities are crucial for sustainable development,” Tunji-Ojo emphasized.

He further reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to improving workers’ welfare, enhancing workplace security, and creating a more enabling environment for economic growth and job creation.

The minister also called on Nigerians to use the occasion of Workers’ Day to reflect on the importance of unity, peace, and collective responsibility in nation-building.

Tunji-Ojo congratulated workers nationwide on the celebration of the 2026 May Day and wished them a peaceful and memorable holiday.

International Workers’ Day, also known as May Day, is celebrated annually on May 1 to recognize the contributions of workers and labour movements globally.

In Nigeria, labour unions including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) traditionally mark the occasion with rallies, speeches, and demands for improved welfare, better working conditions, and economic reforms.

This year’s celebration is expected to focus heavily on issues surrounding inflation, cost of living, minimum wage implementation, job security, taxation, and workers’ welfare amid ongoing economic reforms introduced by the Federal Government.

Several state governments and labour organizations are already making preparations for rallies and parades expected to take place in major cities including Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Kano, and Ibadan.

Security agencies are also expected to deploy personnel to major venues nationwide to ensure peaceful celebrations and maintain public order during the holiday.

FG Declares Friday Public Holiday for 2026 Workers’ Day Celebration