Chairperson of the Lagos State Council of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Agnes Sessi, has urged the state’s governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, to approve either a 65-year retirement policy or a 40-year service retirement policy for teachers in Lagos State.

Members of JOHESU have also appealed to the Lagos State government to approve the new retirement age for health workers at 65 years or 40 years of service, as approved by President Bola Tinubu.

Noting that the extension of the retirement age for teachers is already backed by law, having been passed by the National Assembly and assented to by the late President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Muhammadu Buhari, she said the Federal Government has since implemented the law, while granting individual States the prerogative to domesticate it as deemed appropriate.

Speaking recently, she noted with concern that, as of today, more than 20 States have approved and implemented the policy for their teachers, urging the Lagos government to make a formal pronouncement on the extension of the retirement age for teachers in Lagos State without further delay.

She drew the governor’s attention to the discontinuance of the Annual Merit Award for Teachers in Lagos, saying it was not merely ceremonial but played a vital role in motivating teachers to strive for higher standards of professionalism, innovation, and commitment to duty.

Appealing for reinstatement, Sessi said its revival will not only restore a culture of excellence and healthy competition among educators but also affirm the government’s commitment to the welfare and professional growth of teachers.

Similarly, Chairman, Lagos Council of TUC, Abiodun Aladetan, who commended the newly introduced policy direction at the federal level regarding the payment of gratuity to deserving workers after years of meritorious service, urged Governor Sanwo-Olu also to embrace and implement the progressive policy around workers’ welfare and retirement dignity.

Noting that gratuity was more than a financial benefit, Aladetan said gratuity was a noble recognition that those who gave the best years of their lives in service to the nation should not step into retirement empty-handed.

He condemned the growing hostility of some private-sector employers to workers’ legitimate rights to organise and belong to trade unions.

Stating that the right to freedom of association is not a favour granted by employers, he argued that it is a constitutional guarantee enshrined in Section 40 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that allows citizens to associate freely for the protection of their interests and dignity.

According to him, any attack on that right is an attack on democracy itself.

He therefore called on Global Plus Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of Christ Embassy, to use the moral significance of this Workers’ Day to recall the 74 workers who were reportedly dismissed for their trade union membership.

He urged all private-sector employers to learn from the Lagos State Government and public institutions that have continued to respect workers’ rights to organise and engage through lawful industrial relations processes.

While applauding the Lagos State Government for its sustained investment in healthcare delivery, he encouraged further expansion of health insurance coverage so that quality healthcare becomes a right, not a privilege.

He reaffirmed the labour movement’s commitment to continue defending workers’ rights, advancing welfare, and ensuring that the dignity of labour remains more than a slogan.