NLC demands 65-year retirement age for civil servants

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for all civil servants to have their retirement age increased to match what teachers, healthcare workers, and judges currently have: 65 years old or 40 years of service.

The head of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made this request during the May Day celebration in Abuja. He stated that this change is important for all public workers.

In 2023, Ajaero had mentioned that the NLC would discuss this issue with President Bola Tinubu. Currently, teachers working for the government at all levels are already benefiting from this new retirement age, which was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari.

A major focus of the workers' demands was fair treatment in the economy. They emphasized the urgent need for their salaries to be increased to reflect the current high cost of living. They argued that workers should not continue to suffer from inflation, rising prices, and ineffective government policies. They also questioned the current PAYEE tax system, asking the government to explain what exactly is being taxed and to be clear about how these deductions are calculated and used.

The labor groups also rejected the tax bills that are currently being considered by the National Assembly. They pointed out that these bills did not include the opinions of Nigerian workers and insisted that workers must be involved in creating tax policies that will directly affect them.

They further pushed for the immediate implementation of a previously agreed reduction in telecommunications charges from 50% to 35%. They expressed their frustration that this promise has not been kept, while companies continue to prioritize their profits over the well-being of average Nigerians.

The labor leaders called for changes that would focus more on the people. They stressed that essential services like energy, infrastructure, and public utilities should be aimed at serving the public interest, not just private gain.

In line with this, they repeated their long-standing demand for a complete review and reversal of the privatization of the electricity sector. They argued that this privatization has not improved services and has instead made things harder for consumers financially.

On the topic of governance, they demanded that the government be accountable, transparent, and that urgent reforms be made to the electoral system.

The labor organizations condemned what they described as the ongoing suppression of people's rights and the silencing of opposing views. They called on both the federal and state governments to stop actions that limit citizens' rights and to instead work on strengthening democratic principles.

Security was also a major point in their speech. They demanded an immediate end to the widespread killings and violence happening across the country, calling it a form of genocide that cannot be tolerated. They expressed deep concern for the safety of Nigerian workers, both at their jobs and in general, urging the government to make the protection of lives a top priority.

The rights and well-being of workers were central to their demands. They called for better working conditions, including safe workplaces, the freedom to join unions, and protection from intimidation or violence from the government or employers.

They also advocated for expanding the activities of the National Labour Advisory Council and holding its meetings more often to better address new challenges in the labor sector.

The leaders criticized the continuous and uncontrolled registration of new unions in areas where existing unions are already effectively representing workers. They warned that such actions weaken the labor movement and threaten its unity.

They demanded the immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and retirement benefits across the country. They emphasized that retired public servants, who have dedicated many years to serving the nation, deserve a dignified and secure retirement.

Reiterating this, they called for the full reinstatement of gratuity payments, highlighting the unfairness of denying these benefits to long-serving public servants while political officeholders receive them after much shorter terms. Labor also raised concerns about the disrespectful and inefficient verification processes that retirees have to go through, calling for more humane systems that respect the elderly.

They pushed for the establishment of a nationally accepted minimum pension that would ensure retirees can live with dignity and demanded that pensions be automatically adjusted to keep up with inflation so that their real value is protected.

Finally, they reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights and well-being of Nigerian workers. They called on the government to engage in honest discussions and to treat workers as partners in building a fair, prosperous, and just nation, not as enemies.

The labor leaders added that the large gathering of workers at Eagle Square sent a strong message to government authorities, employers, and other stakeholders that the fight for workers’ rights is still very important and necessary, and that the resilience of Nigerian workers should never be underestimated.

Why this matters for everyone:

The demands made by the Nigeria Labour Congress on May Day are not just about workers; they touch on fundamental issues that affect the entire country. The call for economic justice, for example, addresses the rising cost of living that impacts all citizens. If workers' salaries are adjusted to better reflect economic realities, it could lead to increased spending power and potentially stimulate the economy.

Similarly, the demand for fair taxation and the rejection of tax bills that don't consider workers' input highlight the need for a tax system that is equitable for all Nigerians, not just corporations or the wealthy. The push for better essential services like energy and infrastructure also affects everyone's quality of life.

The calls for democratic accountability, transparent governance, and electoral reforms are crucial for a stable and just society. When citizens' rights are protected and leaders are held accountable, it builds trust and strengthens the nation. The demand for an end to violence and the prioritization of safety are fundamental to the well-being of every Nigerian.

Ultimately, the NLC's demands reflect a desire for a more just and equitable society where the voices of ordinary citizens are heard and their well-being is prioritized. These are issues that concern all Nigerians, not just those who are formally employed.

Posted on: Sat May 03 2025 Back to posts