NLC GIVES FG SEVEN-DAY ULTIMATUM OVER ALLEGED DIVERSION OF WORKERS’ FUNDS

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By Aishat Momoh. O.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Federal Government of illegally diverting 40 per cent of workers’ contributions in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national coffers as “revenue,” in violation of the agency’s establishing law.

In a communiqué issued after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Thursday, the NLC described the act as an assault on workers’ social protection rights and demanded the immediate return of all diverted funds within seven working days, effective August 14, 2025.

The union warned that failure to comply would compel it to withdraw its guarantee of industrial peace in the sector.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, who signed the communiqué, also condemned alleged attempts by the government to amend the NSITF Act in a way that would strip workers of control over their contributions, as well as claims of ownership of the NLC’s national headquarters.

The CWC further demanded the constitution of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) board within seven days, citing the legal requirement for tripartite oversight of pension funds, which it described as “deferred wages, not state revenue.”

The NLC also ratified the dissolution of its Edo State administrative council, replacing it with a caretaker committee, and vowed zero tolerance for indiscipline across all state councils.

Government officials had yet to respond to the allegations as of the time of filing this report.