The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Thursday gave the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) and address alleged diversion of workers’ funds by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The ultimatum came after a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on August 13, 2025, where the NLC deliberated on pressing issues affecting workers, including a leadership crisis in Edo State’s NLC council, concerns over NSITF, and the governance vacuum at PENCOM.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Congress condemned the government’s diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions to national revenue, calling it a “flagrant violation” of the NSITF’s founding statutes.
READ ALSO: NLC vows to resist telecoms, electricity tariff hikes
The NLC also criticised the administration’s claim of ownership of the NLC National Headquarters—property belonging to Nigerian workers—alongside alleged media bullying of trade unions and plans to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control over workers’ funds.
“The CWC warns these actions are a direct attack on workers’ rights, resources, and tripartite governance principles,” the communiqué read. “The NSITF belongs to the Nigerian working class, and the Congress will use all legitimate means to protect workers’ interests.”
The NLC demands the NSITF account for and return diverted funds, the PENCOM board be properly constituted in line with the law, and a full status report on pension funds be submitted—all within seven working days.
“If nothing is done by the end of this period, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector,” Ajaero warned.
