NLC Threatens Nationwide Strike, Gives FG 7-Day Ultimatum Over Diverted NSITF Funds
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a 7-day strike notice to the Federal Government over the alleged diversion of 40% of NSITF workers’ funds. Discover the full demands and the looming threat of industrial action.

NLC Alleges Massive Diversion of Workers’ Funds from NSITF
Abuja, Nigeria – The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has accused the Federal Government of critically mismanaging the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), alleging that 40% of workers’ contributions are being illegally diverted into the national coffers as revenue. The union has issued a stern seven-working-day ultimatum, which began on Thursday, August 14, 2025, for the government to rectify the situation or face widespread industrial action.
The accusation came from a communique released after the NLC’s Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held on Wednesday, August 13, 2025. Signed by its President, Joe Ajaero, the statement described the government’s action as a “flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the agency” and a direct assault on the social protection rights of Nigerian workers.
The NLC firmly stated that the NSITF is a fund owned by the working class of Nigeria and vowed to use all legitimate means to protect their interests and recover the diverted funds.
Seven-Day Ultimatum Threatens Industrial Peace
The NLC has put the Federal Government on a strict timeline to address its grievances. The union’s demands are clear and time-bound, with significant consequences if they are not met.
The communique explicitly states:
“The NSITF must account for and return all diverted funds within seven (7) working days from today. If at the end of these seven working days, nothing is done, NLC will no longer guarantee Industrial peace in the sector.’’
This ultimatum sets the stage for a potential nationwide strike affecting key sectors if a resolution is not reached by the end of next week.

An “Assault on Workers’ Rights” and Alleged Bullying
The NLC’s grievances extend beyond the alleged fund diversion. The union condemned what it termed a broader attack on workers’ rights, citing cyber and media bullying of trade unions and their leadership by the current administration.
According to the CWC statement, there are also “covert moves to amend the NSITF Act in a manner that would disenfranchise workers and give the government full control over the funds.”
The NLC warned that these actions undermine the principle of tripartite governance, which is a cornerstone of international labour standards, and represent a direct attack on the hard-earned resources of Nigerian workers.
Urgent Call to Constitute PENCOM Board Immediately
In a related demand, the NLC has also called on the Federal Government to immediately constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
The union expressed grave concern over the non-constitution of the board, which it says contravenes the PENCOM Act. This absence of a board creates an “unlawful vacuum” that has allowed the government to solely oversee the vast pension funds contributed by both workers and employers.
The NLC argued that this situation removes the statutory tripartite oversight, significantly increasing the risk of mismanagement and political interference.
“Pension funds are deferred wages, not state revenue,” the CWC reiterated, demanding the immediate and lawful constitution of the board.
NLC’s Key Demands to the Federal Government:
To avert the looming strike, the NLC has outlined the following non-negotiable demands to be met within seven working days:
Full Accountability: The government must account for and return the 40% of contributions allegedly diverted from the NSITF.
PENCOM Board: The governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) must be constituted immediately in full compliance with the law.
Pension Fund Report: A full status report of all pension funds must be submitted to the NLC within the same period.

The NLC also announced it had ratified the dissolution of its state administrative council in Edo State and established a caretaker committee, signalling its commitment to enforcing strict compliance with its constitution across all state councils.
As the clock ticks on the ultimatum, all eyes are on the Federal Government’s response to prevent another major disruption to the nation’s economy.
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