Nigeria Labour Congress Prepares for Minimum Wage and Pension Struggles

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its readiness for a significant national campaign to push for a thorough review of the national minimum wage. NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero announced this while speaking at the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.

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The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) is one of the proud affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Therefore, your struggle is our struggle, and your welfare remains a priority for the organised labour movement.

Ajaero emphasized that the welfare of workers cannot be discussed in isolation from the welfare of retirees. He stated, "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." The NLC intends not only to fight for a new national minimum wage but also to champion the creation of a national minimum pension. He described the current situation for many retirees as a "historical injustice," where individuals who dedicated their lives to the nation are left to live below the poverty line after retirement.

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We are currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.

Highlighting the soaring cost of living, Ajaero noted that essentials like food, healthcare, and transportation have become increasingly unaffordable. "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," he asserted. He called for unity and preparedness among pensioners nationwide as the mobilization process begins, viewing the newly commissioned Legacy House as a hub for strategic engagement and solidarity.

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However, let me state unequivocally that 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.

Ajaero stressed the importance of unity within the working class, drawing a parallel with the organized interests of those who exploit workers. "We too must remain united in defending our collective interests and ensuring that government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees," he urged. He concluded by stating that the completion of the project should serve as a call to action for all workers and supporters of the masses to build a strong movement capable of compelling the government to honor its commitments, including the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a dignified pension regime.

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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.