The Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has charged employees to ensure qualitative and productive lives after retirement.
The Director General of NECA, Mr Wale Smatt Oyerinde, gave the charge during an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Monday in Lagos.
Oyerinde said there was the need for proactive planning and sustained engagement to ensure that employees live qualitative, productive lives after retirement.
He said retirement should not signify the end of relevance but a transition into a fulfilling new phase.
He said employees should bear a shared responsibility in preparing adequately for life beyond active service.
“Employees should ensure early financial planning and investment, as they should begin retirement planning from the onset of their careers.
“This includes enrolling in pension schemes such as the Contributory Pension Scheme under the Pension Reform Act.
“It also includes diversifying investments in safe and income-yielding assets like mutual funds, real estate, or agriculture.
“Employees should maintain financial discipline, budgeting, and avoiding unsustainable debt, and they should also be involved in skill development and lifelong learning,” he said.
Oyerinde said NECA would continue to advocate for continuous personal development, as employees should pursue training in areas of interest that could become viable post-retirement ventures.
He said employees should endeavour to acquire entrepreneurial or digital skills to stay relevant and economically engaged, and attend pre-retirement workshops.
Oyerinde also urged employees to be health and wellness conscious, as a healthy life remained key to enjoying retirement.
According to him, employees must engage in regular medical checkups, maintain healthy lifestyles, cultivate habits such as regular exercise, healthy eating, and mental wellness practices.
He urged them to register with quality Health Maintenance Organisations to ensure continued healthcare coverage post-retirement.
Oyerinde also urged employees to involve in social and community engagement, as retirement should not lead to social isolation, hence, should join professional associations or community groups.
“Employees should volunteer their expertise in non-governmental organisations, faith-based, or developmental organisations, maintain strong family and social ties, to promote psychological well-being.
“They should also engage in legal and estate planning, as planning for the unexpected is essential.
“Employees should prepare valid wills or trusts, and designate next-of-kin and beneficiaries clearly in financial and legal documents, and consult legal professionals on estate and succession planning.
“NECA believes that employers and employees must collaborate to promote retirement awareness and support; with foresight, discipline, and strategic preparation, employees can look forward to a fulfilling, independent, and productive post-retirement life,” he said.
