The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a seven-day ultimatum to the federal government to refund allegedly diverted workers’ funds from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF).
In a communiqué issued at the end of its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting recently held in Abuja, the congress condemned the diversion of 40 percent of workers’ contributions from the NSITF to the national coffers, describing it as a violation of the NSITF Act and an assault on workers’ social protection rights.
“The CWC expressed outrage at the ongoing assault on workers’ social protection rights through the Federal Government’s diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions to the national coffers as ‘revenue’, in flagrant violation of the statutes establishing the NSITF,” the communiqué reads.
“Equally condemnable is the new administration’s false claim of ownership of the NLC national headquarters, a property owned by Nigerian workers, and the resort to cyber and media bullying of trade unions and their 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 CWC warns that these actions represent a direct attack on workers’ rights, hard-earned resources, and the principle of tripartite governance enshrined in international labour standards.
“The Congress affirms that the NSITF belongs to the Nigerian working class and will mobilise all legitimate means to ensure workers’ interests are protected.”
The union also demanded that the federal government immediately constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).
“The 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,” the statement added.
“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.
“The 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.
“If nothing is done by the end of the seven days, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector.”
