In the ongoing May Day celebrations at Eagle Square in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, the National President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), has called for a significant policy change regarding the retirement age of civil servants across the country.
Ajaero noted the importance of extending the revised retirement age of 65 years—or a service tenure of 40 years, currently enjoyed by specific groups like teachers, health professionals, and judges—to all public servants. He emphasized that this extension is crucial to securing the future of Nigerian workers, particularly those who have served the country for many years.
In his speech at the event, Ajaero pointed out that such a revision would ensure fair treatment for all civil servants, allowing them the same rights and benefits as their counterparts in selected sectors. This call aligns with past efforts to engage the government in discussions on the matter, including efforts from 2023 when Ajaero had expressed the NLC’s intention to raise the issue directly with President Bola Tinubu.
While teachers in the country have already benefited from the extension of their retirement age—following a law signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari—the NLC is pressing for this reform to be applied universally to all civil servants. This would mark a major shift in how the country handles its workforce, offering employees greater security in their post-service years.
Alongside this key demand, Ajaero’s address also focused on several other pressing issues faced by Nigerian workers. The NLC leadership has continuously called for a salary increase that keeps up with the rising cost of living, insisting that workers cannot continue to shoulder the burden of inflation and government policies that place further strain on their livelihoods.
The NLC also rejected the current PAYEE tax system, questioning its fairness and transparency. They called on the government to clarify what exactly is being taxed and how deductions are being calculated. The union further criticized the ongoing Tax Bills before the National Assembly, arguing that workers should have a voice in any policy that directly impacts their finances.
Another significant demand from the NLC is the implementation of a 35% reduction in telecommunications tariffs, a pledge that has yet to be fulfilled. Ajaero stressed that corporate interests should not outweigh the needs of ordinary Nigerians who are struggling with rising costs across the board.
Beyond economic concerns, Ajaero highlighted the importance of governance reforms, particularly in the areas of electoral integrity, democratic accountability, and transparency. The NLC also condemned the recent actions of federal and state governments to suppress citizens’ rights, calling for an end to these practices and an expansion of civic space.
Security was also a major issue raised during the celebration, with the NLC condemning the widespread violence and killings occurring across the country. The union described the violence as genocidal and called on the government to take immediate steps to end the bloodshed and protect the safety of workers.
Workers’ rights were central to Ajaero’s message, with the NLC calling for better working conditions, protection against violence or intimidation, and the establishment of a more humane system for handling the verification of retirees. They also pushed for the restoration of gratuity payments and a fair pension system that is adjusted according to inflation to ensure the financial security of retirees.
The demand in full reads, “We make the following demands: An urgent reversal of the unconstitutional suspension of the elected Government of Rivers State via the State of Emergency, which is alien to our laws. The federal and state governments should cease actions that erode the civic space but should encourage and deepen it for the sake of our nation. An immediate salary adjustment in sync with economic realities.
“That Government explains what exactly it is taxing in the PAYEE. The withdrawal of the Tax Bills before the National Assembly to allow Nigerian workers to sit at the table where it is being conceived. An immediate implementation of the reduction of telco tariff from 50% to 35% as agreed. Economic Justice;
“A living wage, fair taxation, and an end to policies that prioritise corporate profits over workers’ survival. Democratic Accountability, Transparent governance, electoral reforms, and an end to the suppression of dissent. Energy, infrastructure, and essential services must serve the people, not private interests. Regulators must work for the people!
“An end to the genocidal killings and bloodletting across the nation. Workers’ Rights & Security – Safe workplaces, the right to organise, and protection from state and employer violence. An expansion of NLAC’s activities and an increase in the meeting periods. The indiscriminate registration of new unions in areas with proper coverage should stop. Immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions and gratuities across the nation.”
They demanded further, “Restoration of Gratuity Payments. Public servants, who served diligently for decades, deserve a dignified exit just like political officeholders who serve for much shorter periods. Upward Review of Retirement Age. It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service, currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges, to all public servants.
“An end to dehumanising verification exercises in the public service. An acceptable National Minimum Pension to guarantee dignity in retirement. Automatic adjustment of pensions to reflect inflationary trends. Once again, we call for a review of the Electricity Privatisation exercise with the view to a reversal.”
