The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to push for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage and the introduction of a national minimum pension to improve the welfare of retired workers.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, disclosed this during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.
Ajaero said discussions on workers’ welfare must also include the wellbeing of pensioners, stressing that retirees deserve to live with dignity after years of serving the nation.
“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) is one of the proud affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Therefore, your struggle is our struggle, and your welfare remains a priority for the organised labour movement,” he said.
He revealed that the Congress is preparing for a nationwide campaign to secure a new national minimum wage, adding that the labour movement would also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension.
“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. We will not only push for a new national minimum wage but will also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension,” Ajaero said.
According to him, it is unjust for retirees who dedicated their productive years to national service to live below the poverty line due to inadequate pensions.
“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 urged pensioners to remain united and prepared for the advocacy ahead, describing the newly commissioned Legacy House as more than a physical structure.
“This Legacy House should become a centre for mobilisation, strategic engagement and solidarity as we prepare for the struggles ahead,” he said.
He also stressed the need for unity among workers and pensioners, noting that organised labour must remain united in defending their collective interests and ensuring government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees.
The NLC president further called for the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system that guarantees retirees financial security and a decent standard of living.
“We will continue to demand the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and fight until every Nigerian worker and pensioner receives the justice, respect and welfare they deserve,” Ajaero said.