Workers' Day: FG Reverses Decision On Disapproval Of Eagle Square For Celebration

The federal government has made a U-turn in its decision on the disapproval of Eagle Square in the Federal Capital Territory for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to use in its celebration of the 2023 Workers' Day.

The permission given to the NLC had been withdrawn barely three days before International Workers' Day on May 1 and the union had disclosed its intention to take the celebration to the streets.

In his update, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, shared that he had communicated with his counterpart in Abuja to resolve the issue.

According to Ngige, the Minister of FCT, Muhammad Bello, stated that some overzealous officials are to blame for the development.

Ngige revealed that Bello said the officials acted without the latter's authority as there was a communication gap between the FCDA, the Federal Government Transition Committee and the NLC.

Chris Ngige

“It was actually the contractor handling the renovation of the Eagle Square, Merrs Julius Berger, that informed the Transition Committee for the handover ceremony that they erected their equipment even before last Thursday when the Nigerian Army used the venue for an event attended by the President.

“Consequently, the FCT Minister assured the Honourable Minister of Labour and Employment that the place is available for NLC to use on May 1, which is Workers Day.

“This May Day is the last in the life of this administration. The NLC parade belongs to everybody, including government, diplomatic missions, international organisations, organised labour and affiliate unions and members of the public.

“The President, Ministers and others cannot shut themselves out. Eagle Square is still available for all these individuals.

“All invited people should make themselves available for the parade at Eagle Square, especially the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association (NECA), the diplomatic missions and the international partners”, Ngige stated.

He added that he has informed the NLC leader Joe Ajaero of the development and equally apologised for “the unintended embarrassment”. 

Ngige said the FCT Administration has pledged to give all necessary material support to make the event hitch-free and successful.