Labour unions in Nigeria, including the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), and their affiliates, marked the 2025 May Day with a range of demands, including a controversial proposal to extend the retirement age from 60 to 65 and increase service years from 35 to 40. NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero, alongside TUC President Comrade Festus Osifo, voiced these demands at Eagle Square in Abuja.
While the call for a longer working life may stem from understandable concerns, it overlooks several critical issues. In many developed countries, retirement is often seen as an opportunity to enjoy one’s golden years, supported by solid pension plans. For instance, French labour unions in 2023 opposed similar policies to delay retirement. In contrast, retirement in Nigeria is seen by many as a grim fate due to the country’s insufficient pension provisions and the struggle pensioners face to access their dues. Often, the payment of pensions is deprioritized by politicians, leaving retirees to suffer.
However, simply pushing for an extension of the retirement age is not the solution. With many young Nigerians seeking opportunities in the civil service, older workers staying beyond the current retirement age could be depriving them of employment chances. Senior workers must make way for the youth to contribute and advance in their careers.
It would be more beneficial to reframe the approach instead of extending the retirement age. A practical solution could be to dedicate the final years of service to preparing workers for retirement. This would include offering vocational training and financial support, helping them transition into retirement while providing younger generations with a fair opportunity to enter the workforce.
It is worth noting that certain professions, such as teaching, medical fields, military services, and other expert-driven sectors, may indeed benefit from extended service years. However, for most bureaucratic roles, extending service years seems unnecessary and counterproductive.
In conclusion, while the current retirement system needs significant reforms, increasing the retirement age is not the optimal solution for Nigeria’s workforce. It’s time to think beyond extensions and focus on preparing both the older and younger generations for a more sustainable and equitable future.
