Jigawa NLC Canvasses Extension Of Retirement Age For Workers

Jigawa NLC Canvasses Extension Of Retirement Age For Workers

…Gov. Namadi Pledges Worker-friendly Environment

By Mohammed Abubakar Dutse

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) Jigawa state branch has canvassed the extension of retirement for workers from the 35 years of service or age limit of 60 to 40 years or 65 years, respectively.

This formed part of the demands of the organized labour during the 2025 International Workers’ Day at the Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse the state capital on Thursday.

The State Chairman of the NLC Sunusi Alhassan Maigatari who presented the workers’ request to the state Governor Umar Namadi said such extension of service period would give the workers the opportunity of putting in their best knowing that their

Highlights of the activities included the review of match past by the governor who joined organized labour unions in commemorating the invaluable contributions of workers to the development of Jigawa State.

Maigatari, however, acknowledged the present administration’s strides in the provision of better working environment for workers in the state, describing the governor as “both labour-friendly and a governor of the people.”

He particularly commended the administration’s 12-point agenda, which has delivered tangible benefits including mass recruitment in critical sectors, agricultural loan schemes for workers, and the establishment of palliative shops to cushion economic hardships.

his year’s May Day event, themed “Reclaiming the Civic Space in the Midst of Economic Hardship,” took place, as usual, at the Mallam Aminu Kano Triangle in Dutse, the state capital, and served as a platform to highlight the administration’s pro-worker policies while addressing remaining concerns.

Namadi praised the resilience of Jigawa’s workforce, describing the workers as the catalyst for development and progress.

“Workers across all sectors truly serve as the engine that provides the driving force propelling societies towards progress and development. I truly commend and salute you. More grease to your elbows,” he said.

He reaffirmed his administration’s dedication to workers’ welfare, citing landmark achievements such as the implementation of a N70,000 minimum wage, construction of affordable housing for civil servants, and the injection of over N7 billion into the state’s contributory pension scheme.

“With the largesse of the very magnanimous N70, 000 in Jigawa with all the other welfare interventions specifically targeting the workers, and the numerous ongoing reforms aimed at repositioning the state civil service, we could confidently say the theme of this year’s celebration has already significantly been realised in the state”

The governor concluded with a heartfelt message to workers, saying, “You may not be enjoying the sweet of your labour 100%, but I assure you, your sweat will not go in vain.”