The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to launch a nationwide campaign for a review of the national minimum wage while also pushing for the introduction of a national minimum pension for retirees.
Speaking during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the welfare of pensioners must receive the same level of attention as that of serving workers.
Ajaero said organised labour would no longer advocate improved wages for workers without demanding better living conditions for retirees.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress is currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage,” he 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.”
The NLC president said rising inflation and the increasing cost of living have worsened the hardship faced by many pensioners across the country.
He urged retirees to remain united and prepare to support the campaign for improved pension 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,” Ajaero said.
He added that the labour movement would continue to demand the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system that guarantees retirees a life of dignity and financial security.
