The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially given the Federal Government a seven-day ultimatum to address critical issues involving workers’ welfare, warning that failure to comply will trigger a nationwide strike.
The ultimatum, announced on August 14, 2025, comes after a Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting led by NLC President Joe Ajaero. The union accused the government of diverting workers’ funds through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) and highlighted the failure to constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) as a major concern.
The NLC demands that the government account for and return all allegedly diverted funds within the seven days and properly constitute the PENCOM board. The union also demanded a full status report on pension funds to avoid escalating the crisis.
The NLC further condemned what it described as “cyber and media bullying” against trade unions and their leadership, alongside moves to amend the NSITF Act in a way that would disenfranchise workers and give the government excessive control over their funds.
“Our collective patience is waning, and if these issues are not resolved within seven working days, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace,” President Ajaero warned in the communiqué.
In addition to the national-level concerns, this ultimatum adds to rising tensions in the Nigerian labour movement, which has recently seen strike actions such as the indefinite strike that began in Taraba State early this month over other government-related grievances.
The NLC’s ultimatum underscores growing frustration among Nigerian workers regarding pension administration and fund management, and it signals the possibility of a significant industrial action that could impact multiple sectors nationwide if agreements are not reached promptly.
The union’s firm stance serves as a call for urgent government accountability and respect for workers’ rights, which are fundamental to maintaining industrial peace and socio-economic stability in Nigeria.
This development is closely watched as the government evaluates its next steps to engage with the NLC and avert a potential nationwide strike that could disrupt public services and economic activities across the country.