The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate refund of workers’ contributions allegedly diverted from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The union also called for the urgent constitution of the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM), in line with statutory provisions.
This resolution was part of the outcomes from the NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Wednesday, where labour leaders addressed critical issues affecting Nigerian workers and the broader trade union movement.
In a communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the union condemned the government’s reported diversion of 40% of NSITF contributions as revenue, describing the move as illegal and a violation of the Fund’s founding legislation. The NLC also accused the administration of falsely claiming ownership of the union’s national headquarters, intimidating trade union leaders through cyber and media channels, and attempting to amend the NSITF Act to gain full control over its resources.
The NLC demanded that all misappropriated funds be returned within seven working days and warned that failure to comply would jeopardize industrial peace.
Additionally, the union expressed deep concern over the continued absence of a PENCOM Governing Board, stating that the vacuum undermines the tripartite oversight mandated by law. It emphasized that pension funds represent deferred wages and must not be treated as government revenue. The NLC insisted that the board be properly constituted within the same seven-day window and requested a comprehensive status report on pension funds from the Commission.
“If at the end of these seven working days, nothing is done, NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector,” the union warned.
In a separate development, the NLC dissolved the Edo State Administrative Council following allegations of unethical behavior, anti-union activities, and constitutional breaches. A caretaker committee has been appointed to oversee the council’s affairs until new elections are held.
