NLC Pushes For Fresh Minimum Wage Increase, Better Pension For Nigerian Retirees

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has unveiled plans to launch a nationwide campaign for an upward review of the national minimum wage while also advocating the introduction of a national minimum pension for retired workers.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said organised labour would no longer concentrate solely on improving the welfare of serving workers while neglecting the living conditions of pensioners.

Ajaero disclosed this on Sunday during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.

Addressing attendees, the labour leader revealed that the Congress was already preparing for what he described as a major nationwide push for a comprehensive review of the minimum wage.

He stressed that any conversation about workers’ welfare must also include the wellbeing of retirees who dedicated their productive years to serving the country.

“The Nigeria Labour Congress is currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage,” Ajaero said.

“However, it is no longer acceptable to discuss the welfare of workers without also discussing the welfare of those who have completed their active years of service.”

Ajaero described the condition of many pensioners as unjust, arguing that Nigerians who spent decades in public service should not be left to struggle in retirement.

He lamented that soaring inflation and the rising cost of living have further worsened the hardship faced by retirees, many of whom now survive on pensions that can barely meet their basic needs.

“It is a historical injustice that men and women who devoted their youth, strength and productive years to the service of this nation should be condemned to live below the poverty line after retirement,” he said.

The NLC president insisted that pensioners deserve a decent standard of living after years of service to the nation.

“We cannot continue to allow our senior citizens to survive on pensions that have become poverty wages. Every retiree deserves to live with dignity after decades of faithful service to the nation,” he added.

Ajaero also urged pensioners to remain united and support the Congress’ planned campaign for improved retirement benefits.

He reaffirmed the NLC’s commitment to pushing for the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the establishment of a pension system capable of guaranteeing financial security and dignity for retirees.

“We will continue to demand the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension regime that guarantees every retiree a life of dignity and security,” Ajaero stated.