NLC pushes for widowhood, bereavement leave for Nigerian workers

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has expressed its strong support for a series of legislative reforms aimed at improving the welfare of public sector employees, including the introduction of widowhood and bereavement leave for Nigerian workers.

During a public hearing held by the House of Representatives Committee on Public Service Matters at the National Assembly in Abuja, NLC President Joe Ajaero presented a position paper on behalf of organised labour, addressing six proposed legislative bills.

According to Ajaero, the initiatives represent a positive step towards enhancing worker rights and career development within the public service.

As part of its contribution to the debate, the NLC endorsed a bill proposing widowhood leave, recommending a minimum of 30 working days, with the possibility of extending it to 60 days in exceptional cases. The labour union also stressed that the policy should apply equally to all genders.

Ajaero described the measure as overdue, aligning it with labour standards in other parts of the world.

“This bill, if passed, will acknowledge the emotional and psychological trauma workers face when they lose a spouse. Nigerian workers are already suffering from systemic insensitivity to their well-being,” he said.

The union also called for the inclusion of a bereavement leave policy, which would allow employees two weeks off and a special allowance following the death of a close family member.

In a related matter, the NLC voiced opposition to the existing regulation that enforces the retirement of directors after eight years of service. It labeled the policy as “anti-worker, arbitrary, and counterproductive.”

The organisation urged lawmakers to abolish the rule, arguing that it has prematurely pushed skilled professionals out of service, thereby diminishing institutional memory and discouraging a merit-driven system.

“The policy is a relic of bureaucratic oppression. We advocate a shift to a merit-based system and the creation of extra-director positions to absorb senior officers and prevent stagnation,” the NLC boss declared.

He also criticised the stagnation in promotions within the federal civil service, warning that it has led to declining morale and decreased productivity.

Speaking at the hearing, Chairman of the House Committee on Public Service Matters, Hon. Engr. (Dr.) Sani Umar Bala, reaffirmed the National Assembly’s commitment to reforming public service processes with fairness and transparency.

Bala highlighted the significance of the six proposed bills, noting that they are crucial to strengthening governance and ensuring the well-being of civil servants.

He also drew attention to the issue of age falsification within the public service, stressing that it poses a serious threat to merit-based appointments and workforce planning.

“The importance of addressing this issue cannot be overstated,” he said. “By ensuring that age falsification is thoroughly investigated and prosecuted, we promote fairness and restore merit as the guiding principle.”

The Committee encouraged Nigerians to make use of its whistleblower initiative and report suspected cases of age falsification via the email address: [email protected].