NLC demands transparency, inclusion in PENCOM operations

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for enhanced accountability and inclusivity in the operations of the National Pension Commission (PENCOM).

Speaking at the 20th NLC Harmattan School in Abuja on Monday, NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero raised concerns over the absence of a duly constituted PENCOM board, describing it as a disservice to Nigerian workers who contribute to the pension scheme.

The event, themed “Trade Unions and the Quest for a New Social Contract,” served as a platform for addressing critical issues affecting workers’ welfare and rights.

Ajaero criticized the delay in constituting the PENCOM board, emphasizing its importance in ensuring workers’ representation and oversight in the commission’s operations. He questioned the justification for expenditures made without the approval of a properly constituted board.

“If the PENCOM contribution is made up of workers’ money, and for two years the board has not been constituted, all the spending today cannot be justified. Any expenditure outside the board where workers are not represented is unacceptable,” he asserted.

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The NLC President also linked the PENCOM issue to broader concerns about social justice, particularly the adequacy of the national minimum wage. He argued that the current structure failed to account for the dignity of labour and the inclusion of domestic workers, calling for a reevaluation of its implementation.

“We must evaluate to what extent the minimum wage is inclusive and whether it reflects total social justice in this era of economic adversity,” Ajaero added.

Reflecting on the challenges of the past year, Ajaero commended the resilience of the labour movement despite facing intimidation and adversity. He described the ongoing struggles as a necessary sacrifice to safeguard workers’ rights and advance social justice in Nigeria.

The Harmattan School, an annual knowledge-sharing event for trade union leaders, emphasized the need for participatory governance, fair wages, and environmental sustainability to foster a more equitable society.

Addressing the gathering, Ajaero highlighted the importance of the programme in building the capacity of trade unions to address emerging challenges. “Every year at this time, we gather in the Harmattan School to empower ourselves through knowledge sharing to build the relevant capacities for us as a trade union movement to deliver greater benefits to our constituents,” he said.

He further noted the resilience of the NLC amid unprecedented challenges, stating, “This year, we have witnessed one of the greatest turbulences in our history as a movement—a year when we were invaded, ransacked, intimidated, and even accused of crimes such as treasonable felony and terrorism financing.”

Ajaero emphasized the need for new strategies to address the evolving challenges faced by workers and expressed hope for a more inclusive and just future.

The Harmattan School concluded with a renewed commitment to participatory governance, social justice, and the empowerment of workers across Nigeria.

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