The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to implement an upward review of the retirement age for all categories of civil servants across the country.
Speaking at the 2025 May Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja, NLC National President, Joe Ajaero, said it was imperative to extend the existing retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service—currently applicable to teachers, health professionals, and judicial officers—to all public sector workers.
Ajaero emphasised that the measure would promote equity within the civil service and boost morale among government employees. “It is only fair that all public servants benefit from the same retirement age enjoyed by select professionals. This is an important step towards improving the welfare of workers and retaining experience in the service,” he said.
He recalled that in 2023, the NLC had committed to pushing for dialogue with President Bola Tinubu on the matter. The current provision for an extended retirement age for teachers was signed into law by former President Muhammadu Buhari and is already in effect at federal and state levels.
The NLC also used the occasion to reiterate its broader demands for improved workers’ welfare, fair wages, and stronger labour protections.