The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared its readiness for a major nationwide campaign to push for a comprehensive review of the national minimum wage, warning that the fight for better workers’ welfare will require collective action.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the statement during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja.
Ajaero said discussions about workers’ welfare must also include pensioners who have retired after years of service, stressing that their wellbeing remains an important part of labour advocacy.
He urged workers and pensioners to prepare for the ideological and economic challenges ahead, as the labour movement intensifies efforts to secure improved living conditions for Nigerian workers and retirees.
According to the NLC president, the struggle for a fairer wage system and improved social protection would require unity and determination from all stakeholders.
Ajaero said: “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.
“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.
“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.
He pointed out that: “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.”
“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.
He urged pensioners across the country to remain united and prepared as the process begins, adding: “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.”
The NLC president pointed out that 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 completion of the project should serve as a clarion call to all workers and lovers of the masses.
His words: “We must not only build physical structures but also build a strong movement capable of compelling government to honour its commitments.”
Ajaero further stated: “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’s remarks underline the NLC’s renewed push for stronger labour advocacy and improved welfare systems for both serving workers and retirees. He stressed that beyond infrastructure and institutions, a united labour movement remains essential in holding authorities accountable and ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.
The NLC president reaffirmed the union’s commitment to pursuing policies that guarantee better wages, timely pension payments, and improved living standards for Nigerian workers and pensioners. He maintained that the struggle for economic justice would continue until meaningful reforms are achieved.
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