• Union president, Ajaero, says new wage for workers unavoidable
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to begin a nationwide campaign for a review of the national minimum wage, while pushing for the introduction of a national minimum pension to improve the welfare of retirees.
NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, where he stressed that the welfare of pensioners should receive the same attention as that of serving workers.
According to Ajaero, organised labour can no longer advocate for improved wages for active employees without also demanding better living conditions for those who have retired after years of service to the nation.
“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.”
Describing the current condition of many retirees as unacceptable, the labour leader said it was a “historical injustice” for citizens who devoted their productive years to national service to be left in poverty after retirement.
“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 added.
Ajaero attributed the worsening plight of pensioners to the rising cost of living and persistent inflation, noting that the economic realities had significantly eroded the value of pensions.
He called on pensioners across the country to remain united and mobilise in support of the campaign for improved retirement benefits.
“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 said.
The NLC president also demanded the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system capable of guaranteeing retirees financial security and a decent standard of living.
“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.
The planned campaign signals organised labour’s intention to broaden its advocacy beyond salary reviews to include comprehensive reforms aimed at improving the welfare of retired workers amid Nigeria’s current economic challenges.
