The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a strong warning to the Federal Government, threatening a nationwide strike if key workers’ issues are not addressed within seven working days.
In a communiqué released after its Central Working Committee meeting on Wednesday, NLC President Joe Ajaero expressed deep concern over the government’s failure to set up the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PenCom), in line with legal requirements.
The labour union also accused the Federal Government of diverting workers’ funds through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF). The NLC is demanding a full account and return of the allegedly diverted funds within one week.
Ajaero further warned against ongoing efforts by the government to amend the NSITF Act in a way that, according to him, would take control away from workers and hand it fully to the government.
In addition, the NLC is contesting the government’s claim over the ownership of the NLC National Headquarters, insisting the property belongs to Nigerian workers, not the state.
Ajaero condemned what he described as cyber and media attacks against labour leaders and unions, saying such actions are aimed at weakening the movement.
The union is demanding the immediate constitution of the PenCom board and a full status report on pension funds from the Commission within the seven-day window.
“If at the end of these seven working days, nothing is done, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector,” Ajaero warned.
This latest development adds to growing tensions between organised labour and the Bola Tinubu administration, especially amid ongoing economic challenges facing Nigerian workers.
