The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the federal government to increase the retirement age for all categories of civil servants and workers to 65 years or 40 years of service, in line with what is already applicable to teachers, health professionals, and judges.
NLC President Joe Ajaero spoke at the 2024 May Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja. He presented a detailed list of demands to improve Nigerian workers’ welfare. Ajaero also stressed the need for uniform retirement policies across the public sector. He said selective implementation of retirement rules was unfair and unacceptable.
“It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service, currently enjoyed by some sectors, to all public servants,” Ajaero said.
Ajaero reminded the audience of the union’s earlier pledge to engage President Bola Tinubu on this issue. He referred to a 2023 interview where he promised the NLC would pursue the matter through peaceful dialogue
Economic Demands and Salary Adjustments
Ajaero also underscored the need for economic justice, calling for immediate salary adjustments that reflect the country’s rising cost of living. He criticized the PAYEE tax regime, questioning its transparency and calling on the government to explain what exactly is being taxed.
The NLC rejected tax bills currently before the National Assembly, arguing that workers’ voices had been excluded from critical decisions that directly affect them. The union insisted that labour must be represented in the formulation of future tax policies.
Cost of Living and Public Services
The union demanded immediate implementation of the agreed telecom tariff cut from 50% to 35%. Ajaero criticized the delay and condemned prioritizing corporate profits over ordinary Nigerians’ welfare.
He urged reforms in energy and public services to center on people, not just private profits. The NLC renewed its demand to review and possibly reverse electricity sector privatization.
It argued that privatization failed to improve service delivery or lower consumer costs.
Governance, Security, and Civic Freedoms
On governance, the NLC demanded stronger democratic accountability and urgent electoral reforms. It condemned shrinking civic space and the growing suppression of dissent nationwide.
The union demanded an end to ongoing violence and killings across Nigeria. It described the bloodshed as genocidal and completely unacceptable. Ajaero called for stronger protection of workers at their jobs and in their communities.
Workers’ Rights and Retirement Reforms
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to defending workers’ rights. It called for better working conditions and freedom to unionize. The union also demanded protection from employer and state intimidation.
Among its retirement-related demands were:
- Immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities.
- Restoration of gratuity payments for public servants.
- An end to harsh and dehumanizing verification processes for retirees.
- Establishment of a national minimum pension that guarantees dignity in retirement.
- Automatic pension adjustments in line with inflation.
The union criticized the government for approving new trade unions in already represented sectors. It warned this move threatens labor unity and weakens collective bargaining.
Labour as a Partner, Not an Adversary
Concluding his address, Ajaero stressed that workers must be seen as partners in national development, not adversaries. He urged the government to engage in genuine dialogue, not token consultation.
“The mass presence of Nigerian workers today is a clear signal that our struggle remains relevant and necessary. The resilience of the Nigerian worker must never be underestimated,” he said.
In a final statement, the NLC reiterated its call for the reversal of the “unconstitutional” suspension of the elected government in Rivers State, warning against any attempt to undermine democratic structures.
