The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is preparing a countrywide campaign to push for a upward review of the minimum wage and mandate a national minimum wage for retirees.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Retirees’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero asserted that the well-being of retired citizens deserves equal consideration to that of active workers.
He emphasized that organized labor will no longer agitate for wage increases without simultaneously demanding improved living conditions for pensioners.
“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.
“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 explained that the growing cost of living and galloping inflation have made it even more difficult for many elderly to live.
Ajaero urged retirees around the country to stick together and prepare for the challenges ahead.
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Backstory…
The Nigeria Labour Congress’ (NLC) planned nationwide agitation for a fresh minimum wage review comes barely two years after the implementation of the current ₦70,000 national minimum salary, which was approved in 2024 following months of negotiations, strikes and nationwide protests by organised labour.
While the new wage was initially welcomed as a significant improvement on the previous ₦30,000 benchmark, labour leaders have repeatedly argued that soaring inflation, rising fuel prices, a weaker naira and the increasing cost of living have rapidly eroded workers’ purchasing power, making the current minimum wage inadequate.
The latest move also reflects growing tensions between organised labour and the Federal Government over workers’ welfare and economic reforms.
In recent months, the NLC has accused both federal and state governments of failing to cushion the impact of subsidy removal and inflation on Nigerian workers, even as many states continue to struggle with implementing the existing minimum wage.
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