The Nigeria Labour Congress is preparing for a fresh nationwide campaign that could reignite the debate over workers’ pay and the welfare of millions of retired Nigerians.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, disclosed on Monday that the labour movement would push for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage while also demanding the introduction of a national minimum pension for retirees.

Ajaero made this known in Abuja during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall.

He said organised labour would no longer focus solely on securing better wages for serving workers without also demanding improved welfare 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.

He described the situation in which Nigerians who had spent their productive years serving the country were left to live below the poverty line after retirement as a “historical injustice.”

According to him, rising inflation and the increasing cost of living have further worsened the hardship faced by pensioners, making it increasingly difficult for many of them to afford basic necessities.

The NLC President urged retirees to remain united as the labour movement prepares for the nationwide campaign, stressing that every pensioner deserves to live with dignity after decades of service.

Ajaero also called for the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system capable of providing retirees with financial security.

Although the labour union has repeatedly campaigned for improved welfare for workers, Ajaero said future struggles would also place greater emphasis on the rights and living conditions of retired workers.

Categories: Labour, Politics, Nigeria News

Tags: NLC, Joe Ajaero, Minimum Wage, National Pension, Pensioners, Labour Union, Nigeria Labour Congress, Abuja, Workers Welfare, Retirees

Sources:
NLC Press Briefing, Abuja

— Atinuke Otedola and her Editorial Team