The Nigeria Labour Congress has given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission and address alleged diversions of workers’ funds by the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund.

In a communiqué signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Labour Centre said its Central Working Committee (CWC) met on Wednesday, August 13, 2025, to review pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers, the trade union movement, and the nation.

The CWC condemned what it described as the Federal Government’s diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions to the national coffers as “revenue,” calling it a violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF. It also criticised the alleged false claim of ownership of the NLC headquarters, cyber and media attacks on union leadership, and covert plans to amend the NSITF Act to give the government full control of the fund.

“The CWC warns that these actions represent a direct attack on workers’ rights, hard-earned resources, and the principle of tripartite governance,” Ajaero said. “The NSITF belongs to the Nigerian working class, and we will mobilise all legitimate means to protect workers’ interests.”

The NLC demanded that the NSITF account for and return all diverted funds, that the PENCOM board be fully constituted in line with the law, and that a full status report of pension funds be submitted to the union—all within seven working days.

Ajaero warned that failure to meet these demands would result in the NLC withdrawing its guarantee of industrial peace in the sector.