The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) is set to engage President Bola Tinubu on the agitation for extension of civil servants’ retirement age to 65 years.

The National President, NLC, Joe Ajaero, said labour was not relenting on the agitation, which started under the administration of former President Muhammadu Buhari. They had appealed to the former president during the May Day celebrations to extend the age of retirement for civil servants to 65 years.

Unfortunately, time ran out for the former administration to attend to the request. According to the minister of Labour Mr. Festus Keyamo, the process to effect that change to 65 years (if it is accepted by the Federal Government) is a process that cannot be completed before the end of the tenure of Buhari. 

Already, teachers under the employment of government at all levels, are enjoying the implementation of a new retirement age. The NLC President said, they would meet with Tinubu soon on the matter, as only few other establishments, including the core civil service, are now left out.

In January 2021, the Federal Executive Council (FEC) approved the bill to increase the retirement age and years of service for teachers to 65 years and 40 years respectively.

Extending the retirement age has its downside especially being a country made up of 53.2% of people in the early and prime working years and an unemployment rate of 37.7%. Older employees often posses valuable knowledge and experience that can benefit society.

If older employees stay in position longer, it may limit job openings for younger workers which can hinder innovation, fresh talent into the workforce and reduce opportunities for career development and advancement. By extending the retirement age, more individuals will stay in the workforce, help address labour/skills shortages, and provide financial security during the latter years of retirement.