Top 5 Stories Of The Day | NLC Threatens Strike Over Alleged Diversion of Workers’ Insurance Funds

• NLC threatens strike over alleged diversion of workers’ insurance funds
• US approves $346m arms sale to Nigeria
• Okonjo-Iweala commends Tinubu’s economic reforms
• Tambuwal rejects intimidation after EFCC detention
• ASUP gives FG 21-day ultimatum over unmet demands

Across Nigeria’s 36 states and the Federal Capital Territory, these are the top five Nigerian news stories you shouldn’t miss.

NLC threatens strike over alleged diversion of workers’ insurance funds

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has warned of a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to return what it says are billions of naira taken from workers’ insurance contributions. It also gave the government one week to address the leadership vacancy in the National Pension Commission.

The NLC accused the government of diverting 40% of contributions from the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund into the national treasury. The fund, sourced from payroll deductions, is intended to support workers in cases of injury or job loss.

In response, the National Pension Commission dismissed fears of missing money, stating that the Contributory Pension Scheme remains intact and continues to grow.

US approves $346m arms sale to Nigeria

The United States has approved a possible $346 million Foreign Military Sale to Nigeria, covering munitions, precision bombs, precision rockets, and related equipment.

According to the US Defence Security Cooperation Agency, the approval was granted by the State Department, with the agency notifying Congress of the potential deal on August 13.

The statement, received on Thursday, confirmed that the sale aims to strengthen Nigeria’s defence capabilities and enhance security operations.

Okonjo-Iweala commends Tinubu’s economic reforms

World Trade Organisation (WTO) Director-General, Dr. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, has praised the Tinubu administration for stabilising Nigeria’s economy, crediting the President’s sweeping reforms as key to restoring stability and driving long-term growth.

Speaking after meeting President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the State House in Abuja on Thursday, Okonjo-Iweala said economic improvement could only happen on a stable foundation, which she believes the government is working hard to achieve.

Finance Minister and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun, also stressed that Nigeria remains “open and ready for business” with the international community.

Tambuwal rejects intimidation after EFCC detention

Former Sokoto State governor and current senator, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, has vowed not to be silenced by what he called intimidation and blackmail, after his release on bail from the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission.

Tambuwal was detained overnight by the EFCC over alleged ₦189 billion fraud before being granted administrative bail. Upon returning to Sokoto on Thursday, he was welcomed by a large crowd of supporters.

Addressing them at his residence, Tambuwal pledged to continue advocating for “equitable and democratic governance” in the state, insisting he would be vindicated.

ASUP gives FG 21-day ultimatum over unmet demands

The Academic Staff Union of Polytechnics (ASUP) has given the federal government 21 days to address unresolved issues from an earlier agreement with the union.

ASUP President, Shammah Kpanja, said on Thursday that the demands include the release of a circular by the National Salaries, Incomes and Wages Commission to implement payment of the Peculiar Academic Allowance, a key part of the ASUP/FGN 2010 agreement.

He noted that the allowance has been removed from the budget template and criticised the federal ministry of education for failing to take decisive action to resolve the matter.

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