‘From 60 to 65’ — labour seeks review of retirement age for public servants

The Organised Labour has demanded a reassessment of the retirement age for public workers from 60 to 65 years.

The union made the call while commemorating the 2023 Workers Day at Eagle Square in Abuja on Monday.

The labour union also called for a review of the service years from  35 to 40.

The Organised Labour comprises Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and other affiliate unions.

Joe Ajaero, NLC president, said equality, fairness, and justice are essential to society’s survival and build resilience in countries experiencing upheaval and volatility. 

The labour leader said these elements are essential to kickstart the development process.

Ajaero noted that poor wages, abuse of workplace rights, and privileges as well as unpaid salaries strip workers of their rights.

Also speaking, Festus Osifo, president of the TUC, lamented the state of the nation’s economy which he claimed was operating on autopilot and barely surviving.

While citing the naira redesign by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Osiifo argued that many policies enacted by Nigerian leaders were detrimental to the advancement of the country.

Peter Obi, presidential candidate of the Labour Party; Boss Mustapha, secretary to the government of the federation; Chris Ngige, minister of labour and employment; Mohammed Bello, minister of the federal capital territory (FCT) and Pauline Tallen, minister of women’s affairs, were all present at the event.