*Sacks Edo state leadership
*Decries hardship, unemployment, hunger, insecurity

By Victor Ahiuma-Young

ABUJA — The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to refund allegedly diverted workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund, NSITF, and immediately constitute the Governing Board of the National Pension Commission, PenCom, warning that failure to comply will lead to a nationwide industrial action.

This came as NLC announced the sacking of the leadership of its Edo State Council, over allegations of “unethical behaviour, anti-union conduct, and violations of the NLC Constitution.”

It equally disclosed that a caretaker committee has been constituted to run the affairs of the state council pending fresh elections.

These were part of the resolutions in a communiqué issued at the end of its Central Working Committee, CWC, meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, in Abuja. The meeting, presided over by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, deliberated extensively on issues affecting Nigerian workers, the trade union movement, and the nation at large.

Signed by NLC’s President Joe Ajaero, the communiqué makes it clear that the labour movement is prepared to confront the Federal Government head-on over the management of workers’ contributions and the sanctity of social protection systems in Nigeria.

NSITF funds diversion

The CWC expressed outrage over what it described as the Federal Government’s “ongoing assault on workers’ social protection rights” through the diversion of 40 percent of workers’ contributions to the NSITF into government coffers as “revenue” in violation of the statutes establishing the fund.
The NLC further condemned what it called “the new administration’s false claim of ownership of the NLC National Headquarters, a property owned by Nigerian workers,” as well as “covert moves to amend the NSITF Act to disenfranchise workers and give government full control over the funds.
“The NSITF belongs to the Nigerian working class, not the government. Any attempt to expropriate workers’ hard-earned resources is a direct attack on their rights and the principle of tripartite governance enshrined in international labour standards. We will mobilise all legitimate means to defend workers’ interests.”

PenCom governance vacuum

The NLC leaders also raised alarm over the non-constitution of the Governing Board of PenCom, which it said contravenes the commission Act.
It noted that the governance vacuum has allowed the government to unilaterally manage pension funds contributed by workers and employers, exposing the funds to potential mismanagement and political interference.

According to the communiqué, “Pension funds are deferred wages, not state revenue. We demand the immediate constitution of the PENCOM Board in full compliance with the law.”

Edo state council

The CWC ratified the dissolution of the NLC Edo State by its National Administrative Council, NAC, over allegations of “unethical behaviour, anti-union conduct, and violations of the NLC Constitution. A caretaker committee has been constituted to run the affairs of the state council pending fresh elections.
The communiqué noted that “Discipline, internal democracy, and accountability remain non-negotiable pillars of the labour movement. Any act that undermines these principles will not be tolerated.”

State of the nation

The CWC lamented the worsening economic situation, citing runaway inflation, mass unemployment, hunger, insecurity, and the collapse of public services, which it blamed on “anti-people neoliberal policies.
“Nigeria must adopt a people-centred development path anchored on public ownership of strategic sectors, living wages, industrial revival, and social protection.. Otherwise, the majority of citizens will remain trapped in poverty while the ruling elite continues in opulence.”

The ultimatum
The CWC resolved to enforce strict compliance with its constitution in all state councils and to mobilise workers nationwide to defend their pension and social insurance funds.

The communiqué demanded that the NSITF must account for and return all diverted funds within seven working days, PenCom Board must be properly constituted within the same period, and the Pension Commission must submit a full status report of the funds to the NLC.
It warned: “If at the end of this seven-day deadline nothing is done, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector.”