The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government over its failure to constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero after the Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting on Wednesday, August 13, the labour body also accused the government of diverting workers’ funds through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
The CWC expressed outrage over what it described as the unlawful diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions into government coffers as “revenue,” saying the move violated the statutes establishing the NSITF.
It also condemned the alleged false claim of ownership of the NLC National Headquarters by the new administration, cyber and media harassment of labour leaders, and covert plans to amend the NSITF Act to give government full control of workers’ funds.
“These actions are a direct attack on workers’ rights, their hard-earned resources, and the principle of tripartite governance recognised globally,” the communiqué stated, affirming that the NSITF “belongs to Nigerian workers” and vowing to protect their interests.
Demands
The NLC is demanding that within seven working days:
The NSITF must return all diverted funds.
The PENCOM board must be fully constituted in line with the law.
PENCOM must present a full status report on workers’ pension funds.
“If these demands are not met,” Ajaero warned, “the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector.”
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