The Trade Union Congress has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Labour Congress in rejecting the government’s proposed increases in electricity tariffs, tolls on select highways, and telecom charges.
TUC President Festus Osifo made these views known during a press briefing in Abuja after a meeting of the National Administrative Council of the union.
He called on the government to urgently address the adverse effects of the Naira’s devaluation on the exchange rate, warning that failure to do so could lead to widespread industrial action.
A communiqué from the NAC meeting condemned the planned reintroduction of toll gates on specific federal roads.
The TUC insisted that while tolling is a globally accepted way of funding road maintenance, it is unjustifiable to impose tolls on roads in deplorable conditions.
“While we acknowledge that tolling is a globally recognised method of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes. 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 stated.
The TUC demanded that all roads slated for tolling must be upgraded to international standards before any toll collection could be considered.
This follows an earlier meeting between the Federal Government and the NLC on February 3, 2025, which led to a Memorandum of Agreement and temporarily halted a planned nationwide protest over a proposed 50% hike in telecom tariffs.
Under the proposed adjustment, call rates would rise from N12 to N18 per minute, SMS charges from N4 to N6, and data rates from N300 to N400 per gigabyte. The government is also weighing a 66% increase in electricity tariffs.
Although the government recently denied plans for a 65% electricity tariff hike, the TUC expressed concern that even considering such a move in the current economic climate was reckless.
“This proposed increase is not only ill-timed but also a deliberate act of economic oppression against Nigerians, who are already struggling under unbearable economic conditions,” Osifo said.
He pointed out that past tariff increases had not delivered the promised improvements in electricity supply.
Most consumers, he noted, still endure unreliable service despite paying higher rates.
The TUC blamed rising inflation and soaring prices on the continuous devaluation of the Naira.
Osifo recalled a warning from the union in February 2024, cautioning that excessive currency devaluation would fuel inflation and deepen economic hardship.
He concluded with a stern warning, if the government failed to adjust its policies to reduce the burden on Nigerians, the TUC would have no choice but to lead mass protests.
“If the administration insists on implementing these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to mobilise the working class, civil society, and the oppressed masses for a nationwide action. This level of exploitation is unacceptable. A stitch in time saves nine,” Osifo warned.
