The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has given the Federal Government seven days to return what it described as diverted workers’ contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and to constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) in line with the law.
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero after the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Abuja, the union warned that failure to act by Wednesday, 20 August 2025, would end its guarantee of industrial peace.
The NLC accused the government of diverting 40 per cent of workers’ contributions into national revenue — a move it says violates NSITF’s founding statutes — and of attempting to take over the NLC National Headquarters. It also alleged cyber and media harassment of trade unions, and covert plans to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control of workers’ funds.
On PENCOM, the CWC expressed concern over the absence of a Governing Board, calling it a breach of the law that eliminates statutory oversight and increases the risk of mismanagement. The union reiterated that pension funds are deferred wages, not government revenue, and demanded a full status report within the ultimatum period.
The communiqué also criticised the government’s “anti-people” economic policies, blaming them for inflation, unemployment, insecurity, and failing public services. It called for a people-centred development model, living wages, industrial revival, and robust social protection.
Ajaero warned that if the demands are not met within seven working days, the NLC will take unspecified industrial action.
