NLC has accused the Federal Government of diverting 40% of workers’ NSITF contributions.
The union issued a seven-day ultimatum, threatening industrial action if the funds are not returned.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has alleged that the Federal Government diverted 40% of workers’ contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) to the national treasury, calling it a breach of the fund’s establishing laws and an attack on workers’ social protection entitlements.
In a communique issued after its Central Working Committee meeting on August 13, NLC President Joe Ajaero said the government has seven working days from August 14 to account for and return the diverted funds or risk industrial action.
The union vowed to mobilize “all legitimate means” to defend workers’ interests, warning that it would no longer guarantee industrial peace if its demands are ignored. It also condemned what it called cyber and media harassment of trade unions, false claims of government ownership of the NLC’s national headquarters, and covert attempts to amend the NSITF Act in ways that would strip workers of control over their funds.
The NLC stressed that the NSITF is owned by the Nigerian working class, adding that the diversion of contributions is a direct attack on labour rights, workers’ resources, and the principle of tripartite governance recognized under international labour standards.
The labour body also called on the Federal Government to immediately constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) within seven days. It argued that the prolonged absence of a board violates the PENCOM Act, removes statutory oversight of pension funds, and increases the risk of mismanagement.
“Pension funds are deferred wages, not state revenue,” the communique read, demanding both the board’s constitution and a full report on the status of the funds.
The NLC further ratified the dissolution of its Edo State administrative council, replacing it with a caretaker committee, and reaffirmed a zero-tolerance stance on indiscipline within state councils.
