The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to refund allegedly diverted workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and to immediately constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
NLC warned of a nationwide strike if the demands are not met.
The resolution was contained in a communiqué issued after the NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Abuja. Presided over by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, the meeting reviewed issues affecting Nigerian workers, the trade union movement, and the nation.
The union condemned what it described as an ongoing assault on workers’ social protection rights, accusing the Federal Government of diverting 40 per cent of employees’ contributions into national coffers as “revenue.” It described the action as a blatant breach of the laws establishing the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (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.
The NLC president stated, “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.”
