The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government on August 13, 2025, demanding the refund of allegedly diverted workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and the immediate constitution of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) Governing Board, warning that failure to comply will trigger a nationwide strike. NLC President Joe Ajaero, speaking after a Central Working Committee meeting in Abuja, accused the government of undermining workers’ welfare through the illegal deduction of 40% of Employees’ Compensation Scheme (ECS) funds by the Ministry of Finance, violating the 2010 Employees’ Compensation Act. Ajaero stated, “Nigerian workers will not stand idly by while their future is stolen,” emphasizing the need for transparency in pension administration.
The NLC’s demands follow a July 22, 2025, letter to the NSITF, which highlighted the unauthorized deductions and demanded their refund with interest within two weeks, a deadline that lapsed without action. The union also criticized the government’s delay in appointing the PENCOM board, which has stalled effective pension oversight.
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