*The Nigeria Labour Congress raises the alarm over alleged mismanagement of workers’ contributions, accusing the Federal Government of diverting 40 percent of workers鈥� contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund as ‘revenue’ in national coffers

Isola Moses | 绿帽献妻

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has raised the alarm over alleged mismanagement in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), accusing the Federal Government of diverting 40 percent of workers鈥� contributions to the national coffers as 鈥渞evenue鈥� in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the agency.

The NLC, in a communiqu茅 at the end of its recent Central Working Committee’s (CWC) meeting, asserted that the NSITF must account for, and return all “diverted funds” within seven working days from Thursday, August 14, 2025.

The Labour union threatened that the Fund’s failure to do so would compel it to not to guarantee industrial peace any longer in the sector.

Comrade Joe Ajaero, President of NLC, in a communiqu茅 after the CWC’s meeting, described the purported mismanagement of workers’ contributions as an ongoing assault on their social protection rights in the economy.

The union further said that the NSITF belonged to the Nigerian working class.

It threatened to mobilise all legitimate means to ensure workers鈥� interests are protected in this regard.

The communiqu茅 noted: 鈥淭he NSITF must account for and return all diverted funds within seven (7) working days from today.

鈥淚f at the end of these seven working days, nothing is done, NLC will no longer guarantee Industrial peace in the sector.”

The NLC also said: 鈥淭he CWC expressed outrage at the ongoing assault on workers鈥� social protection rights through the Federal Government鈥檚 diversion of 40 percent of workers鈥� contributions to the national coffers as 鈥榬evenue,鈥� in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF.

鈥淓qually condemnable is the new administration鈥檚 false claim of ownership of the NLC National Headquarters, a property owned by Nigerian workers, resort to cyber and media-bullying of the trade unions and leadership, coupled with covert moves to amend the NSITF Act in a manner that would disenfranchise workers and give the government full control over the funds.”

The Labour said: 鈥淭he NSITF must account for and return all diverted funds within seven (7) working days from today.

鈥淚t also called for the constitution of the Pension Commission (PENCOM) Board within seven days in full compliance with the law, and the submission to the NLC of the full status report of the funds within the same period.

鈥淭he CWC noted with grave concern the non-constitution of the governing board of the National Pension Commission, in contravention of the PENCOM Act and other statutes.”

Ajaero stated the Union’s CWC noted: “This unlawful vacuum has allowed the government to solely superintend over the pension funds contributed by workers and employers, stripping away the statutory tripartite oversight and increasing the risk of mismanagement and political interference.

鈥淭he CWC reiterates that pension funds are deferred wages, not state revenue, and demands the immediate constitution of the board in full compliance with the law.”

The NLC also ratified the dissolution of its state administrative council in Edo State and the setting up of a caretaker committee.

The Labour union maintained that it would enforce strict compliance with its constitution across all state councils, with zero tolerance for indiscipline.

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