The Nigeria Labour Congress is preparing a nationwide campaign for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.
NLC President Joe Ajaero disclosed this during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.
Ajaero said organised labour would also demand a national minimum pension to protect retired workers from worsening economic hardship.
He explained that the labour movement could no longer fight for better salaries for serving workers while ignoring pensioners who had spent decades contributing to national development.
NLC demands better pensions
Ajaero described the poor living conditions of many retirees as unacceptable.
He said inflation and the rising cost of food, healthcare, transportation and housing had reduced the value of pensions, leaving many retired workers unable to meet their basic needs.
According to him, every pensioner deserves financial security and dignity after years of service.
The NLC president called for the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the introduction of a minimum pension that reflects the country’s economic realities.
He also urged pensioners to remain united and participate actively in the planned national campaign.
Labour prepares for national action
Ajaero said the NLC was still making preparations for what he described as a major national struggle for a full review of workers’ wages.
He did not provide a date for the campaign or disclose the new wage figure organised labour would demand.
However, he stressed that future negotiations would focus on both active workers and retirees.
The NLC has repeatedly argued that wages and pensions must rise in line with inflation and the cost of living.
Ajaero said workers and pensioners must remain united because both groups face similar economic pressures.
He added that the newly inaugurated Legacy House should serve as a centre for mobilisation, planning and advocacy for pensioners across Nigeria.
The proposed campaign is expected to increase pressure on the Federal Government to review workers’ pay, settle pension arrears and strengthen financial protection for retired Nigerians.
