Minimum Wage Review: NLC Declares Readiness for Nationwide Struggle, Demands National Minimum Pension

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its readiness to embark on a major nationwide struggle for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage, while also announcing plans to push for the establishment of a national minimum pension for retirees.

NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the declaration during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja, stressing that the welfare of retired workers must receive the same level of attention as that of serving employees.

According to Ajaero, organised labour is already preparing for what he described as an ideological and economic struggle aimed at securing improved welfare for Nigerian workers and pensioners.

"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.

"However, 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."

The labour leader said the Congress would not stop at demanding a new national minimum wage but would also press for the introduction of a national minimum pension to guarantee decent living conditions for retirees.

"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.

"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 stated.

He lamented the rising cost of living across the country, noting that increasing prices of food, healthcare and transportation had significantly eroded the purchasing power of both workers and pensioners.

"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," he said.

Ajaero urged pensioners nationwide to remain united and prepare for the campaign ahead, describing the newly commissioned Legacy House as more than just a physical structure.

"This Legacy House should not merely be seen as a physical structure; it should become a centre for mobilisation, strategic engagement and solidarity as we prepare for the struggles ahead," he said.

The NLC president said the labour movement understands the importance of solidarity, arguing that workers must remain united in protecting their collective 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 added.

Ajaero also called on workers and supporters of organised labour to build a stronger movement capable of compelling government to honour its commitments to employees and retirees.

"We must not only build physical structures but also build a strong movement capable of compelling government to honour its commitments," he said.

He reaffirmed the Congress' commitment to demanding the immediate payment of outstanding pension arrears and the implementation of a pension system capable of guaranteeing financial security for retired workers.

"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.

"Together, we shall continue to fight until every Nigerian worker and pensioner receives the justice, respect and welfare they deserve," Ajaero said.