The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) has demanded the payment of 100% of monthly-basic salary as widowhood leave allowance while the holiday, which must last between 30 days, be applicable to both widows and widowers in service

NLC president, Comrade Joe Ajaero, made the demands at a pubic hearing on six bills seeking to address key issues affecting the public service and the National Assembly service, organised by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters on Friday.

Ajaero expressed NLC’s strong support for the enactment of a Widowhood Leave policy, saying the traumatic loss of a spouse demands time for emotional recovery and logistical adjustments.

However, proposing some amendments to bills, he said; “the leave period should be a minimum of 30 working days, extendable under exceptional circumstances to 60 working days. The bill must explicitly ensure equal rights for widows and widowers, avoiding discriminatory practices.

“This should not be used by employers in their performance assessment exercise for their workers. Employers must be barred from penalising employees who utilise this leave. A leave allowance of 100% of monthly-basic salary shall apply.

“In furtherance…NLC proposes a bill for Bereavement Leave; in a situation where a worker is bereaved, we recommend a two-week leave and a bereavement allowance.”

Ajaero also supported the abrogation of compulsory retirement after eight years as director, saying the policy was anti-worker, arbitrary, and counterproductive.

“It disregards experience, institutional memory, and the right to career longevity. We, therefore, support the abrogation of Compulsory Retirement after 8 years as Director.

“Our demands are: the creation of special cadres to avoid stagnation and loss of organisational capacities and institutional memory such as extra-Director positions.

“Immediate repeal of the policy, which has led to premature retirement of competent directors and is a relic of bureaucratic oppression. Replacement with a merit-based system that evaluates performance rather than tenure,” he said.

The labour leader also kicked against stagnation of promotion in the federal civil service (HR. 08/07/2024), describing it as a cancer eroding morale and productivity in the civil service.

“The NLC demands: the expansion of new work spaces after proper job evaluation and analysis have been conducted. A horizontal expansion of the bureaucracy will create spaces for movement within the service and reduce stagnation.

“Mandatory triennial promotions for eligible workers, backed by enforceable timelines. Transparent criteria free from nepotism or political interference. Retroactive adjustments for workers unjustly denied promotions.

“Create an independent promotion monitoring body within the Federal Civil Service Commission. Digitize promotion processes to reduce manipulation and delays. Mandate MDAs to publish promotion timelines and vacancies transparently,” he said.

Ajaero further called for the abolition of the HND/BSc dichotomy, urging application of lateral conversion for HND holders with additional qualification, if it cannot be abolished.

On the Investigation and Prosecution of Age Falsification (HR. 181/11/2024), he said; “while the NLC supports accountability, we caution against a witch-hunt targeting low-ranking workers while high-profile offenders go unpunished. Our stance: existing public rules should be strengthened and applied as it concerns age and other falsifications.”

In his remarks, Speaker Abbas Tajudeen said the pieces of legislations were connected to real people, real institutions and real challenges.

“I stand before you not only as Speaker but also as the sponsor of this very important Bill, that is, the proposal to repeal the National Assembly Service Commission Act of 2014 and replace it with the National Assembly Service Act, 2025. This legislative initiative is a proactive response to the developmental needs of the National Assembly.

“This new Bill provides for a more transparent and accountable structure. It introduces clear qualifications for the appointment of Clerks, Directorate Heads, and the Secretary to the Commission. These reforms aim to professionalise the administrative arm of the National Assembly, ensuring it is equipped to serve legislators more efficiently and to improve the quality of legislative engagement with citizens.

“Also under consideration today is the proposed amendment to the National Assembly Service Pension Board Act No. 62 of 2023. This amendment seeks to reconstitute the membership of the Pension Board, establish a clear and equitable framework for gratuity payments, and create a dedicated fund for the pension scheme.

“The first motion under consideration seeks to abrogate the policy of compulsory retirement for Directors who have served eight years in that capacity, regardless of age or remaining years of service. While this policy may have been well-intentioned, it has sparked serious concerns. Many view it as a waste of talent and institutional knowledge, prematurely pushing experienced professionals out of service.

“The second motion addresses the stagnation in promotions within the federal civil service. This issue has become a major source of frustration for many civil servants who, despite years of service and consistent performance, find their career growth stalled. This stagnation undermines morale, stifles innovation, and weakens the overall effectiveness of our public service.

“The third motion calls for the investigation and prosecution of age falsification in the Nigerian civil service. This is a long-standing challenge that erodes the integrity of the system. Age falsification not only distorts succession planning but also creates unfair advantages and extends unmerited tenure, thereby weakening institutional trust,” he added (Leadership))

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