NLC Declares Seven-Day Ultimatum to FG Over Pensions and Workers’ Funds
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has once again grabbed the morning headlines over an impending strike. This time, the union is issuing a seven-day ultimatum to President Bola Tinubu’s administration. According to the body, these funds were diverted from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the constitution of the National Pension Commission (PenCom) governing board.
As stated after its Central Working Committee meeting, the NLC would be unable to guarantee industrial peace if the Federal Government fails to meet these conditions within seven working days.
The Core Demands — NSITF Funds and PenCom Board
In the communiqué, NLC President, Joe Ajaero articulated two sharp concerns. First, he stated that the government was diverting up to 40 percent of workers’ NSITF contributions into federal coffers. He regarded this move he called “illegal” and in direct violation of the fund’s enabling law. Also, the Congress demanded that these funds be promptly returned to the rightful beneficiaries. Secondly, he lamented the absence of a properly constituted PenCom board, which is a statutory requirement under the Pension Reform Act. In his words, Pension funds are deferred wages, not state revenue. We demand the immediate constitution of the PenCom board in full compliance with the law.”
Joe Ajaero’s Strong Accusations Against FG
Ajaero went further, pointing to a worrying trend of government overreach. He condemned what he described as the administration’s false claim of ownership over the NLC’s National Headquarters. He insisted that the property belongs to the working class. The president also raised concerns about “covert moves to amend the NSITF Act” in ways that could disenfranchise workers and hand full control of the fund to the government. Such developments reflected an uprising against workers’ rights and contradicted the principle of tripartite governance integral to international labour standards.
Internal Crisis — Edo NLC Council Dissolved
The ultimatum also came amid an internal issue. At the same Central Working Committee meeting, the NLC dissolved its Edo State Council leadership over allegations of unethical behavior and anti-union conduct. Now, a caretaker committee has been installed to manage the council until fresh elections are held. Ajaero emphasized that “discipline, internal democracy, and accountability remain non-negotiable pillars” of the labour movement.
It’s no accident that this deadline arrives now. In 2024, the NLC had a prolonged general strike calling for a living wage, which resulted in an agreement raising the national minimum wage to ₦70,000 per month and establishing a three-year review cycle. That agreement reflects the union’s bargaining power and political relevance.
Will the Ultimatum Lead to Another Strike?
This time, however, the focal point is pension security and worker protection. For many Nigerians, the idea that workers’ accrued pension and insurance contributions could serve as state revenue is unsettling. . Will Tinubu’s administration respond within the seven-day window, or will this result in another strike?
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