The Nigeria Labour Congress has issued a seven-day strike notice to the Federal Government over the alleged diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund into the national treasury.
In a communiqué released after its Central Working Committee meeting, the NLC accused the government of violating the law establishing the NSITF by treating workers’ insurance funds like public revenue. It also demanded the immediate constitution of a governing board for the National Pension Commission, warning that failure to meet both demands would trigger nationwide industrial action.
While PenCom maintained that pension assets under the Contributory Pension Scheme remain safe and growing, it stated that the appointment of its board lies with the Presidency. The NSITF did not comment.
The union insisted pension and insurance funds are deferred wages meant as a social safety net, not government revenue. It criticised broader government policies for deepening hardship and declared its readiness to mobilise mass action to protect workers’ interests.
