During the 2025 May Day celebration at Eagle Square, Abuja, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) made a compelling case for extending the retirement age for all civil servants to 65 years or 40 years of service. NLC President Joe Ajaero passionately advocated for this reform, urging the Federal Government to harmonize retirement policies across all public service sectors.
Ajaero emphasized the need for fairness, stating, “It is imperative to extend the revised retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service currently enjoyed by teachers, health professionals, and judges to all public servants.” This policy, already benefiting select groups, was enacted through legislation signed by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The NLC argues that excluding other civil servants creates an inequitable gap, as only a few sectors remain under the older retirement framework of 60 years or 35 years of service.
The demand is not new. In 2023, Ajaero expressed the NLC’s commitment to engaging President Bola Tinubu on this issue, vowing to leave no stone unturned. The union’s persistence reflects its broader push for economic justice and improved worker welfare amid rising inflation and economic challenges. By aligning the retirement age across all public service sectors, the NLC aims to ensure uniformity and allow experienced civil servants to contribute longer, particularly in a country where life expectancy hovers between 50 and 55 years, raising questions about post-retirement sustainability.
Supporters of the proposal, like Dr. Muda Yusuf of the Centre for the Promotion of Private Enterprise, argue that extending the retirement age makes sense for healthy and productive workers, citing precedents in sectors like judiciary and academia where professionals serve until 70. However, critics, including Dr. Dare Ajiboye of the Chartered Institute of Personnel Management, caution that Nigeria’s low life expectancy and economic conditions necessitate a broader strategy, such as fostering entrepreneurship to support early retirement.
The NLC’s call has sparked widespread debate, with the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria echoing the demand. As the union prepares to dialogue with President Tinubu, the outcome of these discussions could reshape Nigeria’s public service landscape, balancing worker welfare with economic realities. The push for this reform underscores the NLC’s commitment to advocating for policies that enhance the dignity and security of Nigerian workers.
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I think extending the retirement age for all civil servants could either promote experience or hinder opportunities for younger generations. What do you guys think?
I think extending the retirement age is a good idea for experienced workers, but what about opportunities for younger generations?
I think extending retirement age could lead to fewer job opportunities for younger generations. What do you guys think?
Should retirement age be based on individual capacity rather than a blanket extension? Lets discuss!
I think extending retirement age could help retain experienced workers, but what about opportunities for younger generations? Lets discuss!
I think extending the retirement age to 65 for all civil servants could be a good idea. It might bring more experience and ility to the workforce.
I dont think extending retirement age for all civil servants is fair. What about creating opportunities for younger generations?