TUC threatens nationwide strike over naira devaluation, tariff hikes, tollgate plans

By Ukpono Ukpong

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a strong warning to the federal government over the continuous devaluation of the naira, rising inflation, and proposed increases in electricity and telecom tariffs.

This is as the union declared that if these policies persist, it would have no choice but to mobilize Nigerian workers and the masses for a nationwide protest.

As contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting of the TUC, held in Abuja, TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, highlighted the deteriorating economic conditions and the government’s failure to address the root causes of inflation.

According to the TUC, the excessive devaluation of the naira remains the primary driver of inflation, leading to skyrocketing prices of essential goods and services. The union recalled that it had warned against this trend a year ago, stressing that its predictions had now come true.

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The TUC expressed concern over the rising costs of living, pointing to the hike in electricity tariffs, the proposed 50% increase in telecom tariffs, and the government’s plan to reintroduce toll gates on dilapidated roads. The union described these policies as anti-people and economically oppressive.

“Twelve months later, our position remains unchanged, as the symptoms of this root cause have manifested clearly. These include the skyrocketing prices of essential goods, the escalating costs of social services, the proposed hike in telecom tariffs, the increase in electricity tariffs (with plans for further increments), the rising prices of petroleum products amongst others.

“The TUC remains focused on addressing the root cause of these economic challenges rather than merely reacting to the manifested symptoms. To this end, the TUC demands a better foreign exchange (FX) management regime from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the naira is currently undervalued, as confirmed by both local and international experts.”

On the issue of road tolling, the TUC rejected the move, arguing that it was unreasonable to impose tolls on roads that were in disrepair.

“The NAC deliberated on the proposed introduction of toll gates on selected federal roads and strongly condemned it in its entirety. While we acknowledge that tolling is a globally recognized method of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes.

“The NAC views this as an insult to Nigerians, who are being asked to pay tolls on roads that are in total disrepair. Our highways are death traps, unsafe, abandoned, and filled with potholes. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to shameless extortion.” the communiqué read.

The labour union demanded that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be fixed and upgraded to international standards before any discussion on tolling could be entertained. It also warned that the proposed 65% increase in electricity tariffs was unacceptable, noting that previous hikes had already imposed unbearable hardship on Nigerians.

According to the TUC, despite the last tariff increase, power supply remains poor, and most consumers, including those categorized under the “Band A” premium service group, continue to suffer from inadequate electricity. The union insisted that the government should focus on improving service delivery rather than imposing new financial burdens on citizens.

The NAC of the TUC also joined the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in rejecting the planned 50% increase in telecom tariffs. It described the move as insensitive and demanded broader consultation before any price adjustments in the telecommunications sector.

A major concern raised by the TUC was the government’s failure to consult labour unions before implementing key economic policies. It criticized the administration’s approach, stating that excluding stakeholders from policy discussions often leads to unintended consequences, resistance, and public outrage.

“We have observed that government has been very reluctant and international in not engaging Organised Labour before policies are implemented.

“Effective policymaking requires inclusive consultation with critical stakeholders before implementation, especially when policies impact the general public. Engaging labour unions, civil society organizations, industry experts, and community representatives ensures that policies are well-informed, balanced, and widely accepted.”

The communiqué also addressed labour rights violations in the private sector, condemning attempts to suppress unionization. It reaffirmed that workers had a fundamental right to unionize, warning employers against engaging in anti-union practices.

“Unionization is crucial for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions. The TUC warns that any employer engaging in anti-union practices will face strong resistance.” it stated.

The TUC called on the government to take decisive action against labour rights violations and ensure that businesses comply with national and international labour laws. The union emphasized that allowing workers to unionize was essential for fostering industrial harmony and ensuring equitable labour practices.

Moreso, the NAC urged the federal government to abandon policies that would further impoverish Nigerian workers and citizens.

It warned that if the government remained adamant, the TUC would have no choice but to mobilize workers, civil society groups, and the general public for mass action.