At the 2025 May Day celebration in Abuja’s Eagle Square, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made a wide-ranging set of demands focused on improving the welfare of Nigerian workers, addressing economic challenges, and safeguarding democratic rights.
Speaking at the event, NLC President Joe Ajaero called for an upward review of the retirement age for all categories of civil servants. He urged the federal government to extend the current retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service—already applicable to teachers, health professionals, and judges—to all public sector workers.
Ajaero said the NLC remains committed to engaging President Bola Tinubu on this matter, emphasizing that public servants deserve the same consideration as other professionals already benefitting from extended service years.
Key Demands and Concerns:
1. Economic Justice & Wage Review:
The NLC called for immediate salary adjustments to reflect current inflation and economic realities. They also criticized the PAYEE tax system, demanding clarity on what is being taxed and how the deductions are applied.
2. Tax Reforms:
The union rejected tax bills currently before the National Assembly, stating that workers’ voices have been excluded. They demanded workers be included in tax policy formulation processes.
3. Telecom Tariffs:
Labour urged the government to immediately implement the promised reduction in telecom tariffs from 50% to 35%, accusing authorities of prioritizing corporate profits over the welfare of citizens.
4. Electricity Privatization:
The NLC reiterated its long-standing demand for a comprehensive review and eventual reversal of the electricity sector privatization, arguing it has failed to improve service delivery while worsening economic hardship.
5. Democratic Governance & Civic Freedoms:
The labour body condemned the suppression of civic space and dissent and called for electoral reforms, transparency, and an end to arbitrary state actions. They specifically demanded a reversal of the “unconstitutional” suspension of the elected government in Rivers State via a state of emergency.
6. Security & Safety:
The NLC decried ongoing killings and insecurity across the country, labeling the violence “genocidal” and unacceptable. They called on the government to ensure the safety of all Nigerians, including workers in and outside their workplaces.
7. Workers’ Rights & Union Integrity:
They demanded better working conditions, the right to organize freely, and an end to state or employer intimidation. The NLC also criticized the indiscriminate registration of new unions where effective unions already exist, warning this weakens organized labour.
8. Pension and Retirement Benefits:
Labour called for:
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Immediate payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities.
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Full restoration of gratuity payments for public servants.
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An acceptable National Minimum Pension to ensure dignity in retirement.
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Automatic inflation-linked pension adjustments.
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A more humane and efficient retiree verification process.
9. Strengthening Labour Institutions:
The NLC proposed expanding the role of the National Labour Advisory Council (NLAC) and increasing the frequency of its meetings to better respond to evolving issues in the labour sector.
Ajaero emphasized that Nigerian workers are not enemies of the state but essential partners in nation-building. He warned that the continued neglect of workers’ welfare and suppression of their voices would only deepen national discontent.
The mass turnout at Eagle Square, the NLC noted, serves as a reminder to the government and employers that the labour movement remains strong, relevant, and determined to defend the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.