During the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made a bold call for a review of the retirement age for civil servants across all sectors. The NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, urged the Federal Government to extend the 65-year retirement age or 40 years of service, already implemented for teachers, health professionals, and judges, to all categories of public sector workers.
This demand is part of a broader set of labour rights reforms presented during the May Day event, which focused on economic justice, salary adjustments, and protection of workers’ welfare.
Key Demands by NLC on May Day 2025:
- Retirement Age Increase: All civil servants should retire at 65 years or after 40 years of service.
- Salary Review: Immediate salary increment to reflect the current economic hardship and rising inflation in Nigeria.
- Tax Reform: Transparency in the PAYE tax system and withdrawal of unpopular Tax Bills from the National Assembly.
- Telecom Tariff Reduction: Implementation of the agreed reduction in telecom tariffs from 50% to 35%.
- Electricity Privatisation Reversal: A total review and reversal of the Electricity Sector Privatisation, which the NLC claims has failed the Nigerian people.
- Safe Workplaces: Protection of workers’ rights, including freedom of association, unionism, and protection from intimidation.
- Payment of Pensions and Gratuities: Settlement of all outstanding pensions, allowances, and gratuities for retired civil servants.
Gratuity Restoration: Reinstating gratuity payments for retirees, similar to benefits enjoyed by political officeholders.
Minimum National Pension: Establishment of a minimum pension benchmark that ensures retirees live with dignity.
Automatic Pension Adjustment: Regular pension updates based on inflation trends.
Democratic Accountability: Urgent electoral reforms, transparent governance, and an end to suppression of free speech and civil rights.
Stop Genocidal Killings: The NLC condemned insecurity, demanding urgent action to stop killings and violence nationwide.
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Joe Ajaero emphasised that Nigerian workers are not adversaries but key partners in national development. He stressed the need for a people-first approach in governance, fair labour policies, and inclusive economic strategies.
Workers’ Day 2025 Message: “Nigerian Workers Deserve Respect, Protection, and Economic Security.”
The NLC reaffirmed its commitment to stand by Nigerian workers in their quest for better working conditions, social justice, and secure retirement.
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