NLC May Embark on Nationwide Strike Over New Minimum Wage Demands

…Also wants national minimum pension, says retirees deserve dignity, not poverty

By Franklin Adole
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has signalled the possibility of a major nationwide industrial action as it prepares to launch a fresh campaign for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage, while also demanding the establishment of a national minimum pension for retirees.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, disclosed the plan during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, declaring that organised labour would no longer separate the welfare of serving workers from that of retired employees.

Ajaero said the labour movement was already in the preparatory stages of what he described as a “major national struggle” aimed at securing improved living conditions for both workers and pensioners amid Nigeria’s worsening economic hardship.

“The Nigeria Union of Pensioners (NUP) is one of the proud affiliates of the Nigeria Labour Congress. Therefore, your struggle is our struggle, and your welfare remains a priority for the organised labour movement,” he said.

“We are currently in the preparatory stages for a major national struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage.”

He, however, stressed that the campaign would go beyond workers’ salaries, insisting that the country must also establish a legally guaranteed national minimum pension.

“Let me state unequivocally that 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,” Ajaero said.

“Accordingly, the Nigeria Labour Congress will not only push for a new national minimum wage but will also demand the establishment of a national minimum pension.”

Describing the current condition of many retirees as unacceptable, the NLC president said it was unjust for Nigerians who devoted decades of their lives to public service to spend their retirement years in poverty.

He lamented that soaring inflation and the rising cost of food, healthcare, and transportation had rendered existing pensions grossly inadequate.

“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 said.

“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.”

Ajaero urged pensioners across the country to remain united and prepare for what he described as ideological and economic battles ahead, saying the newly commissioned Legacy House should serve as a rallying point for mobilisation, strategic engagement, and solidarity.

He maintained that organised labour must remain united in confronting policies that undermine workers’ welfare, arguing that those who exploit workers have always acted collectively to advance their interests.

“The working class has always understood that those who exploit workers are united in advancing their interests. We too must remain united in defending our collective interests and ensuring that government fulfils its obligations to both serving workers and retirees,” he said.

The labour leader also renewed the NLC’s demand for the immediate settlement of outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system capable of guaranteeing retirees financial security and dignity.

“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,” Ajaero declared.

He pledged that organised labour would sustain the campaign until both workers and pensioners receive what he described as justice, respect, and adequate welfare, warning that the movement was prepared for a nationwide struggle to achieve its objectives.