Our Reporter
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to address what it described as pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers, warning of possible industrial action if its demands are not met.
The union accused the government of failing to constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission and diverting workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.
In a communiqué signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the NLC said its Central Working Committee met on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to deliberate on matters affecting the labour movement and the nation, including the leadership crisis in its Edo State Council, alleged irregularities at the NSITF, and the governance gap at PENCOM.
The CWC, according to the statement, condemned the alleged diversion of 40 percent of workers’ contributions to the national treasury as “revenue,” describing the move as a violation of the law establishing the NSITF.
“Equally condemnable is the new administration’s false claim of ownership of the NLC National Headquarters, a property owned by Nigerian workers; the resort to cyber and media bullying of the trade unions and leadership, coupled with covert moves to amend the NSITF Act in a manner that would disenfranchise workers and give the government full control over the funds.
“The CWC warns that these actions represent a direct attack on workers’ rights, hard-earned resources, and the principle of tripartite governance enshrined in international labour standards.
“The Congress affirms that the NSITF belongs to the Nigerian working class and will mobilise all legitimate means to ensure workers’ interests are protected,” Ajaero said.
On the next steps, the NLC leader insisted, “The NSITF must account for and return all diverted funds within seven working days from today.
“The PENCOM board must be properly constituted in full compliance with the law within seven working days from today.
“The Pension Commission must submit to the NLC a full status report of the funds within the same period.
“If at the end of these seven working days, nothing is done, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector.”
