The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an upward review of the retirement age for all categories of public servants, among other sweeping demands aimed at improving workers’ welfare and addressing rising economic hardship in the country.
Speaking at the 2025 May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero urged the Federal Government to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service—currently applicable to teachers, health professionals, and judges—to all civil servants.
“It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age to all public servants,” Ajaero said. “The selective implementation undermines fairness and equity in the public service.”
Push for economic justice
The labour movement used the occasion to spotlight the growing disconnect between workers’ earnings and the cost of living, stressing that many Nigerians are being crushed by inflation, poor policies, and stagnant wages.
The NLC criticised the Pay-As-You-Earn (PAYE) tax regime, demanding transparency in tax deductions and questioning what exactly is being taxed. It also rejected new tax bills before the National Assembly, describing them as exclusionary and anti-worker.
“Workers cannot continue to bear the burden of economic mismanagement,” Ajaero stated. “Tax policies must be inclusive, transparent, and equitable.”
The NLC further demanded immediate implementation of the reduction in telecom tariffs from 50% to 35%, an agreement it said remains unfulfilled. It also reiterated calls for the reversal of electricity sector privatisation, arguing that it has failed to deliver improved service while exacerbating hardship.
Workers’ rights and welfare
Beyond economic concerns, the NLC raised alarm over increasing threats to workers’ rights and safety, both in and out of the workplace.
The union condemned unsafe and exploitative working conditions, the indiscriminate registration of new unions in sectors with existing representation and the ongoing dehumanising verification exercises for retirees.
It called for improved workplace safety, protection from employer or state intimidation, creation of a national minimum pension adjusted in line with inflation and restoration of gratuity payments and settlement of outstanding pensions and allowances.
“Retired workers deserve a life of dignity, not humiliation. Their years of service should be honoured with prompt and adequate compensation,” Ajaero said.
Democratic governance and civic space
The NLC also issued strong calls for democratic accountability, electoral reforms, and an end to what it termed the shrinking civic space. It demanded the reversal of the suspension of the elected government in Rivers State, labelling it unconstitutional.
The labour body urged federal and state governments to cease actions that stifle dissent and civic participation, stressing the need to strengthen democratic institutions.
Security and national stability
The NLC condemned the ongoing violence and insecurity across the country, describing the widespread killings as genocidal and intolerable. It urged the government to prioritise the safety of all citizens, including workers.
A unified labour voice
Labour leaders reaffirmed their commitment to defending the rights and dignity of workers, urging the government to embrace dialogue and treat workers as partners in national development.
“The massive turnout at Eagle Square today is a clear message: Nigerian workers remain resolute. Our voices matter. Our rights cannot be ignored,” the NLC president said.
