The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is preparing to engage President Bola Tinubu regarding the demand for an extension of the retirement age for civil servants to 65 years.

NLC’s National President, Joe Ajaero, emphasized their unwavering commitment to this cause, which initially began under the previous administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.

During the 2023 May Day celebrations, NLC had appealed to President Buhari to consider raising the retirement age for civil servants.

However, the then Minister of State for Labour, Festus Keyamo, explained that the issue could not be addressed before the end of Buhari’s tenure.

Presently, teachers employed by the government are already enjoying the implementation of an increased retirement age.

When asked about engaging Tinubu on the matter, the NLC President confirmed that discussions would take place and expressed the desire for the retirement age and length of service to be raised to 65 years and 40 years respectively, encompassing the entire public service.

The National Treasurer of NLC, Hakeem Ambali, added that negotiations were crucial to prevent potential crises and the suffering of members whose pension deductions had not been remitted.

They hoped for a five-year transition period to normalize the scheme, ensuring workers are not pushed into premature death or poverty.