News

NLC Sets for Nationwide Strike; See Date

Published by Tope Fakinlede on August 15th, 2025.

NLC Sets for Nationwide Strike; See Date

NLC

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has announced the start of a nationwide mobilisation effort ahead of a planned strike slated for Thursday, August 22.

In a statement released after its Central Working Committee (CWC) meeting held in Abuja, the NLC said all affiliated unions across the country will commence a seven-day mobilisation campaign starting this Friday. The planned industrial action, it warned, will proceed if urgent demands related to workers’ social security contributions are not met.

According to the communique signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the labour body is demanding a full explanation from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) regarding the alleged diversion of 40% of workers’ contributions into the federal treasury under the guise of revenue. The NLC considers the move a blatant violation of the legal provisions that established the NSITF.

The union described the situation as a direct attack on the rights of Nigerian workers, especially those related to social protection and welfare. It further condemned what it called “baseless claims” by the current NSITF leadership, which allegedly declared ownership over the NLC’s national secretariat — a building the Congress insists is owned by Nigerian workers, not by NSITF or the government.

The NLC also criticised NSITF’s management for engaging in online smear campaigns, media intimidation, and clandestine efforts to amend the NSITF Act. These proposed changes, the union said, are designed to strip workers of control over their contributions and give the government unchecked power over the fund.

Beyond the NSITF issue, the NLC demanded that the Board of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM) be immediately reconstituted in line with the law. The Congress is also asking PENCOM to deliver a comprehensive report on the status of workers’ pension funds within the next seven working days.

In a related development, the NLC announced the dissolution of its State Administrative Council in Edo State, replacing it with a Caretaker Committee to oversee affairs until a new council is formed.

On broader national issues, the union voiced deep concern over the deteriorating economic situation in the country, highlighting surging inflation, mass unemployment, food insecurity, failing public infrastructure, and rising insecurity. These, it said, are the result of anti-poor neoliberal policies pushed by the government.

The NLC warned that unless Nigeria shifts towards a people-focused economic model that prioritises public ownership of key sectors, guarantees living wages, drives industrial growth, and strengthens social safety nets, millions of Nigerians will continue to suffer in poverty while the political elite

thrives in luxury.