Some labour leaders and other stakeholders yesterday renewed calls for a comprehensive review of Nigeria’s retirement age policy.
In interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Lagos, they said extending workers’ retirement age was necessary due to economic realities, workforce dynamics and the need to retain experienced personnel in critical sectors.
Some of them, however, advised against blanket extension saying that one-size-fits-all approach would not serve national interest. Comrade Funmi Sesi, the Chairperson, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Council, said that the current retirement age of 60 years for civil servants was outdated and no longer reflective of present-day realities.
Sesi said many workers remained physically active and intellectually capable beyond the age of 60. She said increasing the retirement age to, at least, 65 years would enable such 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. “Forcing them into retirement at that stage, especially when pension challenges persist, is not in their best interest,” she said.
According to her, some sectors such as the academia are already enjoying extended retirement ages, with professors retiring at 70 and other academic staff at 65. Sesi urged that similar considerations should be extended to other categories of workers.
She said: “At the point many workers are retiring, they have acquired enormous experience, skills and training, both locally and internationally. “It is only fair that the country benefits from this wealth of knowledge instead of sending them home prematurely.”
Sesi also linked the issue to brain drain, noting that many skilled professionals had left Nigeria in search of better opportunities abroad, where retirement policies had been more flexible. “Nigeria should not be left behind in aligning with global best practices,” the NLC chairperson said.
Mr Jide Afolabi, the Executive Secretary, Employers Association for Private Employment Agencies of Nigeria, described retirement as a critical phase that should guarantee dignity and financial security Afolabi said retirement was not just an end, but a transition that should be marked by dignity, security, and fulfilment.
“Unfortunately, in Nigeria today, many retirees face uncertainty, hardship, and delayed entitlements. “Fixing the pension system is key. Workers should not wait for years to access their entitlements after retirement,” he said.
The executive secretary said that extending the retirement age could help to retain knowledge and provide workers with more time to prepare for life after service.
“Experience remains invaluable. Many senior workers possess institutional memory that cannot easily be replaced. Retaining such expertise, especially in critical sectors, could support stability and continuity,” he said.”
