A nationwide strike may be imminent in Nigeria following a seven-day ultimatum issued to the Federal Government by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

 

The workers’ union, led by its president, Joe Ajaero, is accusing President Bola Tinubu’s administration of failing to constitute the governing board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) in line with statutory provisions.

 

The strike threat was contained in a communiqué issued after the Central Working Committee of the NLC met on Wednesday to address pressing challenges facing Nigerian workers and members of the trade union movement.

 

According to the communiqué, the NLC also accused the Federal Government of diverting workers’ funds through the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), warning that the agency must account for and return all allegedly diverted monies within seven days.

 

Ajaero further alleged that the government was laying claim to the NLC National Headquarters, insisting the property belongs to Nigerian workers and not the state.

 

He also condemned what he described as “cyber and media bullying of the trade unions and leadership” and “covert moves to amend the NSITF Act in a way that would disenfranchise workers and give the government full control over the funds.”

 

On PENCOM, the NLC demanded that the board be properly constituted in compliance with the law before the deadline elapses. The union also requested a comprehensive status report on pension funds within the same period to avert industrial action.

 

“If at the end of these seven working days nothing is done, the NLC will no longer guarantee industrial peace in the sector,” Ajaero warned.

 

The ultimatum expires next week, raising concerns that the country could witness another