The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to properly constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) or face industrial action.
The labour body also accused the government of diverting workers’ contributions in the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) into national revenue, describing the move as illegal.
In a communiqué issued after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting in Abuja on Wednesday, and signed by NLC President, Mr. Joe Ajaero, the union described the delay in forming the PENCOM board, alongside what it called “alarming developments” in the NSITF, as an attack on workers’ rights.
Read Also:
FG Begins Second Phase of Wage Award Payments to Civil Servants
The communiqué condemned the alleged diversion of 40 per cent of workers’ contributions, the government’s claim of ownership of the NLC headquarters, and moves to amend the NSITF Act in a way that would give the government full control over workers’ funds.
“The CWC warns that these actions represent a direct assault on the rights of Nigerian workers and on the principle of tripartite governance recognised by international labour standards,” Ajaero stated.
According to him, the NLC is demanding that within seven working days, the Federal Government must return all diverted NSITF funds, fully constitute the PENCOM board as required by law, and provide the NLC with a comprehensive status report on pension funds.
“If these demands are not met within the stipulated period, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector,” Ajaero warned.
