The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for an upward review of the retirement age for all categories of civil servants from 60 to 65 years or 40 years of service, aligning it with the current provisions enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges.
This demand was made by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, during the 2025 May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja. He emphasized that the extension, already signed into law for some professions by former President Muhammadu Buhari, should be applicable to all public servants.
Central to the NLC’s demands was the pursuit of economic justice. The union urged immediate salary adjustments to reflect Nigeria’s harsh economic conditions, citing the effects of inflation, rising costs, and flawed policies. It also questioned the basis of the PAYEE tax system and demanded greater transparency in deductions.
The NLC rejected the Tax Bills currently before the National Assembly, noting that they exclude worker representation and calling for Nigerian workers to have a seat at the table during tax policy formulation.
The congress further demanded the immediate implementation of the promised reduction in telecommunications tariffs from 50% to 35%, expressing frustration with unfulfilled commitments and the prioritisation of corporate profits over citizens’ welfare.
It also reiterated the need for a people-centered approach to energy, infrastructure, and public services, calling for reforms that prioritise public interest over private gains. The NLC maintained its longstanding demand for a comprehensive review and reversal of the Electricity Sector Privatisation, which it says has worsened service delivery and economic hardship.
On governance, the NLC demanded democratic accountability, transparency, and electoral reforms. It criticised the ongoing suppression of civic space and dissent, urging both federal and state governments to halt actions that infringe on citizens’ rights.
Security concerns were also highlighted. The NLC described the widespread violence across the country as genocidal and unacceptable, calling on the government to prioritise the safety of Nigerian workers and the general population.
The congress called for improved working conditions, including safe workplaces, the right to unionise, and protection from both state and employer intimidation. It also advocated for the expansion and increased frequency of the National Labour Advisory Council's (NLAC) activities to tackle evolving labour sector issues.
The NLC condemned the indiscriminate registration of new unions in areas already adequately represented, warning that such practices weaken organised labour. It demanded immediate settlement of outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities nationwide, and called for the full restoration of gratuity payments to retirees.
It decried the dehumanising verification processes faced by pensioners and called for more humane systems. Additionally, the NLC demanded the establishment of a nationally acceptable minimum pension and automatic adjustments of pensions in line with inflation.
The congress reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights and welfare of Nigerian workers, urging the government to engage in genuine dialogue and treat workers as partners in national development.
In a strong statement, the NLC declared that the large turnout of workers at Eagle Square sent a clear message to government and employers: the fight for workers’ rights is both valid and necessary, and the resilience of the Nigerian worker must not be underestimated.
Their comprehensive list of demands includes:
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Reversal of the unconstitutional suspension of the elected government in Rivers State.
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Immediate salary review reflecting economic conditions.
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Clarification of PAYEE tax deductions.
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Withdrawal of current Tax Bills and inclusion of labour in policy discussions.
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Implementation of telecom tariff reduction from 50% to 35%.
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Enforcement of economic justice, living wage, and fair taxation.
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Reforms in governance, electoral systems, and civic freedoms.
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People-focused infrastructure and service delivery.
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End to nationwide killings and improved worker safety.
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Expanded activities and meetings of the NLAC.
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Halt to indiscriminate union registrations.
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Full payment of owed pensions, gratuities, and allowances.
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Restoration of gratuity benefits.
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Nationwide retirement age extension to 65 years or 40 years of service.
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Humane verification processes for retirees.
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National minimum pension and inflation-linked pension adjustments.
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Review and reversal of Electricity Privatisation.
The NLC concluded by affirming that its campaign for justice, fairness, and dignity for workers will persist until meaningful reforms are achieved
