The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set to commence a nationwide campaign to review the minimum wage, while also demanding for the introduction of a national minimum pension for retirees.
Speaking at the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, said the welfare of pensioners must receive the same level of attention as that of active workers.
He noted that organised labour would no longer advocate improved wages without seeking 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,” Ajaero 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.”
He explained that the rising cost of living and galloping inflation have made it doubly difficult for many pensioners to survive.
Ajaero called on pensioners across the country to remain united and prepare for the struggles ahead.
“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 said.
“We will continue to demand the immediate payment of all outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension regime that guarantees every retiree a life of dignity and security.”
