Abuja, May 1, 2025 – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on the Federal Government to extend the retirement age of civil servants from 60 to 65 years, or alternatively, from 35 to 40 years of service — whichever comes first.
NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made this demand on Wednesday during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration at Eagle Square in Abuja. He argued that the current retirement policy is outdated and inconsistent with the revised standards already granted to certain sectors such as education, healthcare, and the judiciary.
“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,” Ajaero said.
The labour leader described the disparity in retirement policies across the public service as unjust and inefficient, particularly in a nation struggling to retain skilled and experienced personnel within the workforce.
Currently, civil servants in Nigeria are mandated to retire at 60 years of age or after 35 years of service. However, exceptions have been made in recent years, including for teachers and judicial officers, prompting labour unions to advocate for uniformity across the board.
Ajaero further stated that the NLC intends to formally engage President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on the matter, expressing confidence that the administration would consider the request in the interest of fairness and national productivity.
The retirement age demand forms part of a broader agenda by organised labour to improve workers’ welfare, ensure policy consistency, and enhance the efficiency of Nigeria’s public service.
