MAY - DAY IN NIGERIA:
Friday, 1st May 1981 was for the first time declared a national holiday in Nigeria. It was banned twice in 1988 and 1990 and Labour leaders detained on each occasion during General Ibrahim Babangida's regime.

The demand for May - Day holiday dates back to the colonial era. Even after independence, indigenous government which succeeded the colonialists would not concede to the demand for a May - Day holiday. Characteristic of those days, Labour leaders defied the laws and called out workers in peaceful demonstrations.

In 1980 during the 2nd Republic presided over by Alhaji Shehu Shagari, the following states; Kaduna, Kano, Oyo, Bendel, Gongola, Ogun, Ondo, Borno and Lagos which were governed by Governors in other political parties different from the ruling party at the centre decided to test their federating democratic rights in defiance of the Federal Government stance declared and observed May Day in their States.

Out of fear that his Government may lose the May Day battle to the opposition political parties controlled states, and lose the support and sympathy of workers, President Shehu Shagari in 1981 approved the observance of WORKERS DAY in Nigeria.

Happy New month folks