The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an urgent upward review of the retirement age for all categories of civil servants, pressing for the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service—currently granted to teachers, health professionals, and judges—to be extended to all public servants. This demand was made during the ongoing May Day celebrations in Eagle Square, Abuja.
NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking on behalf of the union, decried the current socio-economic situation, emphasizing that Nigerian workers are in severe distress as inflation continues to rise, while salaries stagnate. He called for immediate salary adjustments to reflect the rising cost of living, highlighting the burden workers carry in these difficult times.
Ajaero criticized the current tax policies, questioning the transparency of the PAYEE system and demanding clarity on what exactly is being taxed. He also voiced strong opposition to the Tax Bills currently before the National Assembly, insisting that Nigerian workers must have a voice in the policymaking process.
Other key demands included the reduction of telecommunications tariffs as previously agreed by the government, with NLC urging for the immediate implementation of the 50% to 35% reduction in tariffs. The union also called for a comprehensive review of the electricity sector privatization, which they argue has failed to improve service delivery and is contributing to widespread economic hardship.
The NLC also spotlighted issues regarding the safety and security of Nigerian workers, emphasizing that workplaces must be safe and that workers should be protected from both employer and state violence. They also called for the expansion of the National Labour Advisory Council’s (NLAC) activities, with increased meeting frequency to respond to emerging challenges in the labour sector.
Among other demands, the NLC called for the restoration of gratuity payments for retired public servants and a fair, dignified pension system. They also sought the establishment of a nationally accepted minimum pension to guarantee a dignified retirement.
The union also raised concerns over the dehumanizing verification processes faced by retirees, demanding a more humane and efficient system that respects the dignity of the elderly.
In a powerful statement, the NLC reaffirmed its commitment to the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, calling on the government to engage in genuine dialogue with the workers' unions and treat them as partners in building a just, prosperous, and equitable nation.
Finally, the union called for the immediate cessation of all actions that erode civic space and an end to the unconstitutional suspension of the elected Government of Rivers State, calling on the federal and state governments to encourage and deepen democratic participation.
