ABUJA, May 2 (AGCNewsNet) – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to raise the retirement age for all civil servants to 65 years or 40 years of service, aligning it with policies already implemented for teachers, health professionals, and judges.

NLC President Joe Ajaero made the demand on Thursday during the May Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja, stressing the need for equity across all public service sectors.

“It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants,” Ajaero said. “Equal treatment would promote fairness, boost morale, and enhance efficiency in the public sector.”

Ajaero also urged the government to urgently review the current N70,000 minimum wage, describing the condition of Nigerian workers as deplorable and unsustainable amid rising economic hardship.

The May Day celebration, held under the theme “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” was marked with parades and speeches across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory.

In his message to mark the day, President Bola Tinubu reaffirmed his administration’s commitment to prioritising workers' welfare, describing them as “the engine of our economy and the secret to our nation’s growth.”

Addressing Nigerians via his official X handle, Tinubu wrote: “To everyone, young and old, entrepreneur or employee, private or government-employed, whose meaningful contributions help, in no small way, to the development of our homes, communities, and our dear nation – together, we will make Nigeria great again.”

Senate President Godswill Akpabio also praised Nigerian workers for their resilience, diligence, and productivity despite mounting socio-economic challenges.

“No Nigerian worker will be victimised in the course of his duty,” Akpabio said in a statement issued by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Eseme Eyiboh. “Under our eyes, no Nigerian worker will be denied their rights for expressing themselves or demanding justice.”

He pledged that the 10th National Assembly would continue to enact labour-friendly legislation and ensure workers’ rights are guaranteed.

Akpabio added: “We will not shirk our responsibility to work together with the Executive to address workers’ concerns and create opportunities for growth and prosperity. Together, we shall build a brighter future for Nigerian workers and our great nation.”

The Nigerian government declared Thursday, May 1, a public holiday to allow workers to participate in commemorative activities nationwide.

Source: APA News

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