The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to embark on a nationwide protest to press for a review of the national minimum wage for civil servants and the introduction of a national minimum pension for retired workers.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, said the labour movement was broadening its focus beyond workers currently in active service to also address the welfare of pensioners, whom he described as an important part of the workforce that must not be neglected after retirement.
Ajaero made the announcement on Thursday during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja. He said organised labour was preparing for a nationwide campaign aimed at compelling the government to carry out a comprehensive review of the minimum wage and improve the living conditions of retirees across the country.
According to him, the struggle for better labour conditions must include those who have spent years serving the nation and are now facing hardship in retirement. He said the situation of many pensioners remains troubling and should not be allowed to continue.
The NLC president also renewed the union’s call for the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears, insisting that retirees deserve a pension system that guarantees dignity, security and a decent standard of living after years of service.
