NLC Demands An Extension Of Retirement Age Limit

EKO HOT BLOG reports that the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded a review of civil servants’ retirement age and years of service to 65 years.

The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, made the call during the 2023 Workers’ Day celebration in Abuja. Ajaero also called for a general review of the salaries of core civil servants to narrow the gap between their emoluments and those in other segments of the public service.

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Ajaero stated that the extension of years of service should apply to all sectors of the public service, including the civil service. He pointed out that only a few establishments, including the core civil service, were yet to benefit from the extension of years of service.

“We are, therefore, demanding that the age of retirement and length of service in the entire public service, including the civil service, be reviewed upward to 65 years of age and 40 years of service,” Ajaero said.

He queried why there was a disparity in salaries between core civil servants and those in other segments of the public service, despite possessing the same educational qualifications and cognate experience on the job.

Ajaero also drew attention to the issue of gratuity payment, stating that union leaders had presented the issue to the government on several occasions without any positive response.

“As you are all aware, the concept of gratuity payment to employees is predicated on the fact that those who have laboured for public institutions or private enterprises are entitled to the proverbial golden handshake from their employers. Thus, gratuity is a monetary benefit given by an employer to his/her employee at the time of retirement without the worker making any financial contribution whatsoever to the fund,” he said.

Ajaero demanded the restoration of gratuity payment in many public sectors where it has been stopped, noting that the Pension Act did not abolish it.

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The call by the NLC for the review of civil servants’ retirement age and years of service to 65 years comes at a time when the country is grappling with economic challenges, including inflation and unemployment. The union’s demand is expected to put pressure on the government to consider the welfare of civil servants as it seeks to address these challenges.