The Chairperson of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Agnes Sessi, has called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu to approve a retirement policy allowing teachers to retire at 65 years of age or after 40 years of service. This appeal was made during a recent address, where she highlighted that similar policies have been adopted by over 20 states across Nigeria.
Federal Law and State Implementation
Sessi noted that the extension of the retirement age for teachers is already backed by federal law, having been passed by the National Assembly and assented to by former President Muhammadu Buhari. The Federal Government has implemented the law, granting individual states the prerogative to domesticate it. She urged the Lagos State government to make a formal pronouncement on this matter without further delay.
Appeal for Health Workers
Members of the Joint Health Sector Unions (JOHESU) have also appealed to the Lagos State government to approve a new retirement age of 65 years or 40 years of service for health workers, as approved by President Bola Tinubu. This move aims to align with federal policies and improve workforce retention in the health sector.
Reinstatement of Annual Merit Award for Teachers
Sessi drew the governor's attention to the discontinuance of the Annual Merit Award for Teachers in Lagos, describing it as a vital motivational tool that encouraged professionalism, innovation, and commitment. She appealed for its reinstatement, stating that its revival would restore a culture of excellence and healthy competition among educators, while affirming the government's commitment to teacher welfare and professional growth.
Gratuity and Workers' Welfare
Chairman of the Lagos Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Abiodun Aladetan, commended the federal government's new policy direction on gratuity payment to deserving workers after years of meritorious service. He urged Governor Sanwo-Olu to embrace and implement progressive policies that ensure workers' welfare and retirement dignity. Aladetan emphasized that gratuity is more than a financial benefit; it is a recognition that those who gave their best years in service should not retire empty-handed.
Defending Workers' Rights
Aladetan condemned the growing hostility of some private-sector employers toward workers' rights to organize and belong to trade unions. He argued that the right to freedom of association is a constitutional guarantee enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, not a favor granted by employers. He called on Global Plus Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Christ Embassy, to recall 74 workers reportedly dismissed for their trade union membership, urging all private-sector employers to respect workers' rights as Lagos State Government and public institutions do.
Healthcare Investment and Insurance
Aladetan applauded the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in healthcare delivery and encouraged further expansion of health insurance coverage to make quality healthcare a right, not a privilege. He reaffirmed the labour movement's commitment to defending workers' rights, advancing welfare, and ensuring that the dignity of labour remains a reality.
