As part of the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has made a renewed call for significant policy changes aimed at improving the welfare of Nigerian workers. Topping the list of demands was the extension of the retirement age for all categories of public servants to 65 years or 40 years of service, aligning it with what is already obtainable for teachers, judges, and healthcare professionals.
The NLC President, Joe Ajaero, presented the demands before a massive gathering of workers and unionists, calling for reforms that reflect the pressing economic and social realities affecting Nigerian labourers.
“We insist on the upward review of the retirement age across all public service sectors. It is unjust for only select professionals to benefit from such provisions when all civil servants serve the nation with equal commitment,” Ajaero said.
This advocacy is not new. Back in 2023, Ajaero had voiced the union’s intent to push the issue during its engagements with the federal government under President Bola Tinubu.
Beyond retirement age, the NLC used the May Day platform to emphasize the need for economic justice. The union demanded wage increases that would match the soaring cost of living, decried the lack of transparency in the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax structure, and criticized ongoing legislative attempts to introduce new tax bills without consulting Nigerian workers.
“These tax bills are being processed without the input of the very people they will impact the most,” the NLC stated, urging lawmakers to withdraw the proposals and allow workers to participate in shaping fiscal policy.
The union also lamented the government’s failure to implement an agreed reduction in telecom tariffs from 50% to 35%, accusing authorities of favouring corporate interests over the survival of ordinary citizens.
In a sweeping critique of Nigeria’s privatisation policy, the NLC reiterated its demand for a full review—and possible reversal—of the power sector privatisation. According to them, privatisation has led to higher electricity tariffs without significant improvements in service delivery.
On governance, the labour congress demanded reforms that would foster transparency, accountability, and protect citizens’ democratic rights. They condemned the shrinking civic space and warned against actions that suppress dissent and weaken participatory governance.
The union also raised serious security concerns, labeling the widespread violence across the country as “genocidal” and demanding urgent government intervention to stop the bloodshed and ensure the safety of all citizens, including workers.
Further pressing issues highlighted included:
– An immediate salary adjustment to reflect inflation
– The restoration of gratuity payments for retirees
– Humane alternatives to the current verification processes for pensioners
– A nationally recognized minimum pension that keeps up with inflation
– Halt to indiscriminate registration of new unions
– Expanded role and regular meetings of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC)
– Prompt payment of all outstanding entitlements, including pensions and allowances
Ajaero and his colleagues said the turnout of workers at the May Day rally should serve as a powerful reminder to the government and employers: the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerian workers must be taken seriously.
They concluded with a firm commitment to continue defending Nigerian workers and urged the federal government to treat the labour force as key partners in national development.
