The Nigeria Labour Congress has called on the Federal Government to extend the retirement age and length of service for all categories of civil servants, in line with what is currently obtainable for teachers, health professionals, and judicial officers.
This demand was made on Thursday by the NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, during the 2025 International Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja.
Addressing workers and government representatives at the event, Ajaero said it was necessary for the government to implement a uniform retirement policy for all public servants.
“It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants,” Ajaero declared.
The NLC President, while presenting a list of labour’s demands, argued that the current disparity in retirement policies among public sector workers is unjustifiable and should be harmonised to ensure equity across the civil service.
This is not the first time Ajaero is pushing for this reform. In a 2023 interview with The PUNCH, he revealed that the NLC was committed to engaging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to push for a broader application of the extended retirement policy.
“We will do everything within our power to ensure that we dialogue with President Bola Tinubu on the matter,” he had stated at the time.
Currently, teachers employed by federal, state, and local governments are beneficiaries of an extended retirement regime, following a law signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari, which raised their retirement age to 65 years or 40 years in service, whichever comes first. Health professionals and judges also enjoy similar provisions based on specific sectoral legislation.
The NLC believes that extending this policy to all civil servants would not only improve morale but also retain experienced hands in the public service. The proposal, if implemented, could lead to a significant shift in public sector workforce dynamics and pension planning.
The congress used the May Day platform to reiterate its resolve to pursue fair treatment, improved welfare, and sustainable reforms for Nigerian workers.
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