Workers have been urged to begin planning for retirement years before leaving active service, with experts warning that inadequate financial preparation could make the transition difficult for many retirees.
The call was made at the 2026 National Pre-Retirement Summit, held at the Shehu Musa Yar’Adua Centre in Abuja, where experts, employers and workers examined strategies for achieving financial security and sustainable livelihoods after formal employment.
The two-day summit, organised by XEM Consultants Limited and themed “Own Your Retirement: From Planning to Action,” attracted more than 100 public and private sector organisations, with over 800 participants attending physically and more than 2,000 joining virtually.
Convener of the summit, Eugenia Ndukwe, said retirement should not be regarded as the end of productivity, but as an opportunity for workers to pursue new ventures, contribute to society and attain financial independence.
Ndukwe emphasised the need for workers to acquire relevant skills, develop investment plans and establish alternative sources of income before retirement.
She said the summit was designed to provide participants with practical knowledge and tools to make informed decisions about their finances and prepare adequately for life after active service.
The Minister of Aviation and Aerospace Development, Mr Festus Keyamo, urged government and employers to prioritise workers’ welfare.
Keyamo said the human factor remained central to the effective functioning of every organisation and the economy at large.Welfare & Unemployment
According to him, no machine or technological advancement could replace workers’ role in driving economic activities.
“Issues affecting workers should be treated with urgency whenever they are brought to the attention of government or employers.
“Without these workers, we will not have a country. I urge leaders across sectors to always put workers first,” Keyamo said.Executive Branch
Keyamo, who received an award at the summit for his outstanding leadership and commitment to workers’ issues, also called for greater attention to welfare in resource allocation.
“Employers should ensure that adequate resources are made available to workers and unions to enable them perform legitimate responsibilities,” he said.
The minister commended the organisers for focusing attention on issues that could help workers prepare for life after active service.Government
Also speaking, President of the Nigeria Labour Congress, Joe Ajaero, called for legislation to provide special welfare packages for senior citizens.
Ajaero said the proposed measures should cover critical areas such as transportation and healthcare, stressing the need for stronger support systems for retirees.
Dasuki Arabi, Director-General, Bureau of Public Service Reforms (BPSR), said retirement planning should not be left entirely to government, employers, pension administrators or family members.
“Retirement planning must be understood not merely as a personal financial matter, but as part of the broader national workforce policy conversation that should be happening consistently,” he said.
Arabi, who delivered the keynote address, said individuals must take informed decisions and deliberate actions to secure their lives after active service.
He said the circumstances in which people worked, earned income, accessed healthcare, raised families and prepared for old age were significantly influenced by public policies and institutional arrangements.
The organisers said the summit would continue to provide a platform for workers and other stakeholders to exchange ideas and strategies for building financially secure and fulfilling lives beyond formal employment.
