…Seeks upward review of retirement age to 65
…Raises alarm over new terrorist group springing up in N’Central
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have asked the federal government to fix the poor state of security in the nation and take steps to assuage the sufferings of Nigerians.
They have equally sought an upward review of workers’ retirement age from the current 60 years to 65 years, or 40 years of service.
The labour also raised the alarm over the rise of a new terrorist group named ‘Mahmuda,’ noting that the sect is gradually spreading in the Middle Belt of Nigeria.
In a joint statement, Joe Ajaero, president of the NLC, and Festus Osifo, leader of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), said Nigerian leaders must rise up to contain the spread of terrorism and fix the weak economy.
Read also: May Day: What Nigerian workers really want
They made the demands while addressing issues affecting Nigerian workers at the 2025 May Day celebration held at the Eagle Square, Abuja, on Thursday.
Both leaders regretted that workers face daunting challenges in Nigeria that are threatening their livelihoods.
They stated workers’ 20-point demands, noting the worsening economic situation and the recent massacre and ethnic tensions, especially in the North-Central part of Nigeria, appealing to the federal government to urgently tackle the challenges.
The labour unions decried the alarming state of insecurity, the unchecked impunity in governance and the blatant disregard for constitutional and democratic principles, saying that these have cast a dark shadow over the nation.
The labour leaders also called on the government to withdraw the tax bills for more consultations.
“When they fail to do so, democracy is weakened, institutions become compromised, and crisis looms,” Ajaero, who gave a presentation, said.
Buttressing his claims on insecurity, the NLC helmsman said the killings in Edo, Ondo, Zamfara, Plateau, Benue and Kebbi states and the unchecked kidnappings around the country continue to imperil the nation.
“It bears testimony to the failure of the government to perform its basic duty to its citizens who elected them into office.
“The number one duty of the federal government is to ensure the safety of lives and property. The government must step up and fulfill its constitutional obligations to the citizens instead of these constant lamentations.
“As we speak, we hear of the emergence of new terrorist group named Mahmuda sect in the Middle Belt. This calls for serious attention. We must approach the insecurity situation as a country in war.”
He warned that Nigerians must choose between facing the realities before them with courage and wisdom or continuing to live in denial while the country edges towards the abyss.
Read also: May Day: Tinubu vows to address hardships, protect workers rights
“Warning signs and red flags are all over the place. If we do not address these systemic failures, we risk descending into a state where the rule of law is replaced by the rule of might, and where governance is determined not by democratic principles but by brute force.
“Comrades, the time to act is now. Those who occupy positions of leadership must recognise that true leadership is about service, humility, and inclusivity. It is about building bridges, not walls. The future of our nation depends on their willingness to govern with a sense of justice and fairness. The Executive, the Legislature and the Judiciary must maintain their independence and act separately for the good of our nation.
“As workers and as citizens, we must also remain vigilant and resolute in our demand for accountability. Our voices must not be silenced, and our resolve must not waver. We owe it to ourselves, to our children, and to the generations yet unborn to stand up for the values of democracy, equity, and justice.
“We fought for this democracy and paid the highest price to chase the military and their cohorts back to the barracks. Doing nothing should not be an option but calling for a constructive engagement and building the needed coalition to rid our nation of the malaise that have held it down is important. People are elected into public office to serve and not to plunder. Our nation and its people must be protected,” he said.
