Abuja — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate refund of allegedly diverted workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the prompt constitution of the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
Failure to comply, the NLC warned, will trigger a nationwide industrial action that could paralyse economic activities across the country.
The ultimatum was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the NLC Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting, held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Abuja. The meeting was presided over by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and attended by senior labour leaders from across the federation.
According to the communiqué, the congress expressed deep concern over what it described as the “mismanagement and diversion” of workers’ social security funds meant to safeguard employees against workplace injuries, disabilities, and other contingencies.
“It is unacceptable that funds deducted in trust for Nigerian workers have been mishandled or diverted for purposes that do not align with their intended mandate,” the statement read in part. “We demand an immediate and transparent refund, backed by a public accounting of all transactions.”
On PENCOM, the NLC faulted the government’s delay in appointing a substantive governing board, stressing that the vacuum has hampered effective pension administration and eroded workers’ confidence in the system.
“The absence of a duly constituted PENCOM board undermines the credibility of pension fund management, which holds the life savings of millions of Nigerian workers,” Ajaero said.
The CWC also deliberated on broader issues affecting workers and the nation, including rising unemployment, inflation, and the persistent non-payment of salaries in some states.
The NLC’s threat comes amid growing discontent within the labour movement over perceived government indifference to workers’ welfare and allegations of corruption in key social welfare institutions.
With the clock now ticking on the seven-day ultimatum, all eyes are on the Federal Government’s next move whether to engage the NLC in dialogue or risk a crippling nationwide strike.
