•Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu

The Minister of Foreign Affairs, Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, has confirmed that so far, 130 Nigerians have registered for voluntary evacuation flights from South Africa amid rising tensions linked to anti-foreigner protests in the country.

The minister added that another wave of demonstrations is expected between May 4 and 8, 2026, prompting further security and diplomatic coordination between both countries.

Bianca Odumegwu-Ojukwu, in a situation report via her X handle , said that the evacuation arrangement is part of broader diplomatic and security measures being coordinated with Nigerian missions in South Africa.

She emphasised that the

The minister explained that the evacuation plan follows directives from President Bola Tinubu, who ordered heightened monitoring of the situation and stronger protection for Nigerians abroad.

The Nigerian Consulate in collaboration with the Nigerian Citizens Association in South Africa (NICASA) has offered a free repatriation flight to Nigerians willing to return home permanently amid the ongoing worsening attacks on foreigners.

The President of NICASA, Frank Onyekwelu, disclosed that the situation had forced many Nigerians to shut their shops and businesses.

According to him, there is currently no structured support system in place for affected Nigerians, but the consulate’s intervention is already providing an option for those who wish to leave.

” The process is ongoing as we have recorded many Nigerians signalling interest to return home, ” said Onyekwelu .

Violent anti-foreigner protests erupted recently in cities such as Pretoria, Johannesburg, Durban, East London, and parts of KwaZulu-Natal, resulting in harassment, looting, property damage, and injuries.

The protests, according to reports, are being driven by community groups, anti-immigration organisations, and social movements such as Operation Dudula, the March and March Movement, and similar local initiatives, often under the banner of tackling illegal immigration and unemployment.

Called International Workers’ Day, Labour Day, or May Day , the origin traces back to the 19th-century labour movement and one key event that shaped the development was the Haymarket Affair in Chicago, 1886.

The 2026 theme according to the International Labour Organization (ILO), is “Ensuring a Healthy Psychosocial Working Environment” – focusing on mental health, stress, and work-life balance .

Nigeria adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980.

Industrial Revolution conditions

At that time, factory workers often worked 10-16 hour days in unsafe conditions for low pay.

As a result, Labour unions began pushing for an 8-hour workday.

The 8-hour movement

On April 21, 1856, Australian workers in Victoria did a mass stoppage for the 8-hour day .

In the US, the Federation of Organized Trades and Labour Unions declared May 1, 1886 as the day the 8-hour workday would start

May 1, 1886 strikes

Between 300,000-500,000 US workers went on strike across the country. Chicago was the centre, with about 40,000 protesters.

Haymarket Affair, May 3-4, 1886

May 3: Police fired on striking workers at McCormick Harvesting Machine Company, killing at least two

May 4: At a protest in Haymarket Square, someone threw a bomb at police. It killed 7 officers and at least 4 civilians. Eight anarchists were arrested and convicted. Four were hanged.

May 1 becomes International Workers’ Day

In 1889, the International Socialist Congress in Paris chose May 1 to commemorate Haymarket and call for annual demonstrations for the 8-hour day.

By 1904, it was made mandatory for workers’ groups to stop work on May 1.

Why May 1 spread globally

Europe

Traditional spring festival of May Day merged with labour demonstrations-

India

First celebrated in Chennai in 1923. May 1 became a national holiday to recognise workers’ rights.

It’s also Maharashtra Day & Gujarat Day-

Nigeria Adopted nationally on May 1, 1981, after Kano State first declared it in 1980

Philippines

First Labour Day was May 1, 1903, when the first workers’ union protested

Purpose

Honours workers’ contributions and pushes for fair wages, safe conditions, and the 8-hour day-

Public holiday

Not everywhere

The US & Canada celebrate Labour Day on the first Monday in September instead.

How Workers’ Day Is Celebrated in Nigeria

In Nigeria, Workers’ Day is more than a ceremonial gathering. It serves as a structured platform for engagement between labour unions and the government authorities.

Each year, workers use the occasion to highlight issues affecting their welfare, including wages, working conditions, unemployment and the rising cost of living.

Organised labour bodies such as the Nigeria Labour Congress, and the Trade Union Congress coordinate nationwide activities.

Their addresses during May Day celebrations often reflect the economic realities of the time, making the event a barometer for the state of the workforce.

Beyond formal speeches, the day reinforces the relevance of collective bargaining.

It reminds both workers and policymakers that labour rights are not static but require continuous negotiation and protection.