The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide industrial action to demand a review of the national minimum wage, insisting that any increase in workers’ salaries must be accompanied by improved pension benefits for retirees.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the declaration during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, where he stressed that the welfare of pensioners should receive equal attention alongside that of serving workers.
Ajaero said organised labour was mobilising for a nationwide campaign to secure a new national minimum wage that reflects current economic realities and the establishment of a National Minimum Pension to guarantee decent living standards for retirees.
He noted that rising inflation and the increasing cost of food, transportation, healthcare and other essential goods had severely reduced the purchasing power of both workers and pensioners, making existing wage and pension structures unsustainable.
Describing the plight of retirees as a “historical injustice,” the NLC president said Nigerians who dedicated their productive years to public service should not be condemned to poverty after retirement because of inadequate pensions.
Ajaero also urged the Federal Government to immediately clear all outstanding pension arrears and implement comprehensive pension reforms that would ensure sustainable and dignified retirement benefits nationwide.
He called on workers and pensioners to remain united and prepared for collective action, maintaining that solidarity remained the most effective tool for securing improved welfare and compelling government to fulfil its obligations.
The renewed demand comes amid growing economic hardship across the country, with organised labour intensifying calls for higher wages, better pension benefits and stronger social protection measures to cushion the impact of the rising cost of living.
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