The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced plans to commence a nationwide campaign for a review of the national minimum wage, while also demanding the introduction of a national minimum pension for retirees.
The President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, disclosed this during the inauguration of the Godwin Abumisi Pensioners’ Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.
He said organised labour would no longer focus solely on improving workers’ wages without paying equal attention to the welfare of pensioners, stressing that retirees deserve to live with dignity after years of service.
According to Ajaero, the Congress is already preparing for a nationwide struggle aimed at securing an upward review of the national minimum wage.
“The Nigeria Labour Congress is currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.
“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.”
Ajaero noted that the rising cost of living and soaring inflation had made survival increasingly difficult for many pensioners.
He urged retirees across the country to remain united and prepare for the campaign 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.
“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.”
Titilope Adako is a talented and intrepid journalist, dedicated to shedding light on the untold stories of Osun State and Nigeria. Through incisive reporting, she tackles a broad spectrum of topics, from politics and social justice to culture and entertainment, with a commitment to accuracy, empathy, and inspiring positive change.
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