The 2025 Workers’ Day celebration in Ilorin, Kwara State, took an unexpected turn on Thursday when police officers disrupted a protest by staff of the Michael Imoudu National Institute for Labour Studies (MINILS), who were demonstrating against their Director-General, Comrade Issa Aremu.
The protest took place at the George Innih Stadium, where May Day celebrations were being held. Dressed in red T-shirts branded with the institute’s logo, the aggrieved staff carried placards accusing Aremu, a former National Vice President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), of mismanagement, insensitivity, and abuse of office.
As the protesters approached the main area of the stadium—specifically the Rashidi Yekini Main Bowl—police officers blocked their path, citing concerns that the protest might disrupt the day’s programme. Eyewitnesses said the officers ordered the workers to turn back, leading to a standoff.
The tension was later calmed when Ganiyu Balogun, Vice Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) in Kwara State, intervened. He persuaded the police to allow the protesters into the stadium and promised them a chance to voice their grievances during the ceremonial march-past.
The protesting workers listed several allegations against Aremu, who has led MINILS since his appointment in 2021. They claimed that:
– Staff development and training programmes have collapsed under his leadership.
– Institute funds and vehicles are allegedly being used for personal and family purposes, including foreign trips.
– Despite worsening infrastructure, Aremu reportedly maintains a lavish lifestyle, including convoys and security escorts.
– The hostels and training facilities are in a state of disrepair, undermining the institute’s role as a centre for labour training and education.
“We are not against celebrating Workers’ Day,” one protester said anonymously. “But how can we stay silent when a labour institute that should train and empower workers is failing its own staff?”
Ganiyu Balogun admitted that the TUC had been engaging with the institute over the past 10 days to address the complaints. However, he said the union was not informed about the planned protest in advance. “We were already in talks, and we expected proper communication,” he said.
The situation has raised broader concerns about internal accountability within labour institutions in Nigeria, especially those tasked with advocating for workers’ rights and welfare.
Attempts to reach DG Issa Aremu for his response were unsuccessful. His mobile phone was switched off, and further efforts through the institute’s Public Relations Officer, Rachael Solomon, also failed. Solomon explained that Aremu had travelled to Abuja to attend the national May Day celebration and had been unreachable all morning. She advised the media to send him a text message instead.
The incident in Kwara casts a shadow over the day meant to celebrate the dignity of labour and highlights growing tensions between leadership and rank-and-file workers even within organisations designed to defend labour interests.
