The word Retirement written on a hand drawn bar chart surrounded by pencils, books and calculator.
Labour leaders and stakeholders renewed calls on Sunday for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s retirement age policy, citing economic realities, workforce dynamics, and the need to retain experienced personnel in critical sectors. They argued that the current policy, which sets the retirement age for civil servants at 60, no longer reflects modern realities.
Speaking to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos, Comrade Funmi Sesi, Chairperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, said increasing the retirement age to at least 65 would allow skilled and experienced workers to continue contributing meaningfully to national development.
“It is long overdue for the government to review the retirement age. Many workers at 60 are still agile, experienced, and willing to serve,” Sesi said.
She added that sectors such as academia already enjoy extended retirement ages, with professors retiring at 70 and other academic staff at 65. “It is only fair that the country benefits from this wealth of knowledge instead of sending them home prematurely,” she said, linking the issue to Nigeria’s brain drain.
Mr. Jide Afolabi, Executive Secretary of the Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, described retirement as a critical phase that should guarantee dignity and financial security. “Unfortunately, many retirees face uncertainty, hardship, and delayed entitlements,” he said. Afolabi also supported extending the retirement age in critical sectors to retain institutional knowledge but cautioned against a blanket extension that could slow career progression for younger Nigerians.
Similarly, Mr. Jamiu Akolade, Trustee of the Employment and Labour Lawyers Association of Nigeria, emphasised the need for balance. “Extending the retirement age could help retain critical skills and create mentorship opportunities. However, younger workers must not be shut out of opportunities,” he said.
Civil servants echoed these views. Mr. Tunde Olanipekun described the proposal as beneficial but warned that careless implementation could worsen youth unemployment. Mr. Fidelis Ekejuru said extending the retirement age would improve workers’ wellbeing and productivity, and urged governments to complement policy changes with healthcare and social benefits for retirees.
The labour leaders stressed that any adjustment to the retirement age must be paired with urgent pension reforms. They called for policies that retain experienced workers while creating opportunities for Nigeria’s growing youth population.
