NLC threatens strike over pension fund, issues seven-day ultimatum
The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a seven-day deadline to the Federal Government to set up the governing board of the National Pension Commission and to resolve claims regarding the misappropriation of workers’ funds by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.In a statement signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Labour Centre announced that its Central Working Committee (CWC) convened on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to assess urgent matters impacting Nigerian workers, the trade union movement, and the nation as a whole.
The CWC condemned what it labeled as the Federal Government’s diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions into the national treasury, referring to it as “revenue,” and denouncing it as a breach of the statutes that established the NSITF. It also criticized the alleged false assertion of ownership over the NLC headquarters, as well as cyber and media attacks directed at union leaders, and the surreptitious plans to amend the NSITF Act to grant the government complete control over the fund.
“The CWC cautions that these actions constitute a direct assault on workers’ rights, their hard-earned resources, and the principle of tripartite governance,” Ajaero stated. “The NSITF is the property of the Nigerian working class, and we will employ all lawful means necessary to safeguard workers’ interests.”
The NLC called for the NSITF to account for and return all misappropriated funds, for the PENCOM board to be entirely constituted in accordance with the law, and for a comprehensive status report on pension funds to be provided to the union—all within a period of seven working days.
Ajaero warned that if these demands are not fulfilled, the NLC will revoke its assurance of industrial peace within the sector.
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