The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is demanding the introduction of a national minimum pension to improve the welfare of retired workers across the country, while announcing plans to commence a nationwide campaign for a fresh review of the National Minimum Wage.
Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, made the declaration during the commissioning of the Comrade Godwin Abumisi Pensioners Legacy House and Multipurpose Hall in Abuja on July 19,2026.
Ajaero noted that the current ₦70,000 national minimum wage has been overtaken by the rising cost of living, stressing that inflation and increasing prices of essential goods have significantly reduced workers’ purchasing power.
He pointed out that NLC was already mobilizing for the next wage review as provided under the existing minimum wage framework.
He said organized labor would not relent until Nigerian workers receive a living wage that reflects current economic realities, while pensioners are guaranteed a dignified standard of living after retirement.
“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,” he said.
The NLC President maintained that the welfare of workers cannot be separated from that of pensioners, insisting that retirees who devoted their productive years to national service deserve better treatment.
Veteran journalist and recipient of A.B.C Yola, Reporter of the Year Award (1997), Hassan Umar Shallpella, works with WAP as a Regional Correspondence. He was trained at Institute of Mass Communication and Technology Jos and Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria, Training School Lagos.He was a News desk Editor and a Correspondent at the Punch newspaper and till 2019, was the Deputy Editor ofThe Scope newspaper.
Latest posts by Hassan Umar Shallpella (Regional Correspondent) (see all)
previous
Devastating Thunderstorm Leaves 6 Minors Dead, 2 Injured in Adamawa
next