Denmark has set a new global benchmark by raising its retirement age to 70 for both men and women.
The move finalized today, has reignited conversations around pension reform and workforce longevity across the world.
In Nigeria, labour unions are intensifying calls for sweeping retirement policy changes.
During the May Day celebrations on May 1, 2025, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called on the federal government to extend the retirement age to 65 years and the length of service to 40 years for all public and civil servants.
The unions argue that such a reform would not only align Nigeria with global trends but also promote fairness, retain institutional knowledge, and boost morale across the public sector.
Currently, most Nigerian civil servants are required to retire at the age of 60 or after 35 years of service, whichever comes first.
However, select sectors such as education, the judiciary, and healthcare already benefit from extended service years, with retirement set at 65.
The unions’ demands come as Nigeria faces mounting economic challenges and a rising youth population, prompting debates about job creation versus workforce retention.
While President Bola Tinubu’s administration has yet to endorse a comprehensive retirement age reform, the growing pressure from organized labour and the example set by countries like Denmark may force a reevaluation of existing policies.
