The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has taken a firm stance against a series of proposed government policies that threaten to exacerbate the economic hardships faced by Nigerian citizens. Echoing the concerns of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the TUC has vehemently opposed planned increases in electricity tariffs, the introduction of tolls on select highways, and hikes in telecom tariffs. These proposed measures, according to the TUC, represent an unacceptable burden on a populace already grappling with rising inflation and a devalued currency. The TUC’s President, Festus Osifo, articulated these concerns during a press conference in Abuja, following a meeting of the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC). He emphasized the urgent need for the government to address the negative impact of the Naira’s devaluation on the exchange rate and heed the concerns of labor to avert widespread industrial unrest.
The TUC’s opposition to the proposed toll gates stems from the deplorable condition of many federal roads. The NAC, in a released communique, condemned the plan as “shameless extortion,” arguing that it is untenable to impose tolls on roads riddled with potholes and lacking basic maintenance. They contend that the government’s priority should be repairing these dilapidated highways to international standards before considering any form of tolling. This stance reflects a broader concern about the government’s perceived neglect of its responsibility to maintain critical infrastructure while simultaneously seeking to increase the financial burden on its citizens. The TUC’s argument is that imposing tolls on poorly maintained roads constitutes an unfair exploitation of the Nigerian people, who are already bearing the brunt of economic hardship.
Adding to the mounting concerns are the proposed increases in telecom tariffs. Following a meeting with the Federal Government on February 3, 2025, the NLC had initially suspended a planned nationwide protest against a 50% increase in telecom tariffs for two weeks. This proposed hike would see call rates jump from N12 to N18 per minute, SMS charges rise from N4 to N6, and data costs increase from N300 to N400 per gigabyte. The TUC has joined the NLC in opposing these increases, arguing that they represent an additional layer of financial strain on an already struggling populace. The temporary suspension of the NLC’s protest provides a window of opportunity for dialogue and negotiation, but the underlying tension remains palpable.
Further fueling the TUC’s anxieties is the looming threat of a significant electricity tariff hike. Although the government recently denied plans for a 65% increase, the TUC expressed alarm that such a measure was even under consideration. Previous tariff hikes, according to the TUC, have not translated into the promised improvements in service quality, leaving consumers grappling with persistent power outages and unreliable supply while paying higher prices. Osifo characterized the proposed increase as “a deliberate act of economic oppression,” emphasizing the disproportionate impact on Nigerians already struggling with challenging economic realities. The TUC’s position is that any tariff increase without a demonstrable improvement in service delivery constitutes an unjust burden on the Nigerian people.
The TUC identifies the continuous devaluation of the Naira as a primary driver of escalating prices and inflation. Osifo referenced a statement made by the TUC in February 2024, warning that the excessive devaluation of the national currency was the root cause of the rising cost of living. The devaluation, according to the TUC, has eroded the purchasing power of Nigerians, making essential goods and services increasingly unaffordable. This, coupled with the proposed tariff and toll increases, paints a bleak picture of the economic prospects for the average Nigerian. The TUC’s argument links the government’s monetary policies directly to the hardships faced by the citizens, highlighting the need for a comprehensive review of these policies.
In the face of these mounting economic pressures, the TUC has issued a stark warning to the government. Osifo declared that if the administration persists in implementing these policies, the TUC would mobilize the working class, civil society, and the oppressed masses for nationwide action. He underscored the gravity of the situation, stating that this level of economic exploitation is unacceptable. The TUC’s ultimatum underscores the depth of their concern and their determination to protect the interests of the Nigerian people. Their warning of nationwide action signals the potential for significant social and economic disruption if the government fails to address their concerns. The TUC’s stance underscores the critical need for a dialogue between the government and labor unions to find solutions that alleviate the economic burden on Nigerian citizens and prevent widespread unrest.
