Hardship May Force Nationwide Protest, TUC Warns FG

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that it may mobilise Nigerian workers for a nationwide protest if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening economic hardship and declining welfare conditions across the country.

The warning was contained in a communiqué issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the congress in Abuja, jointly signed by TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro.

According to the congress, the NEC reviewed the state of the nation, developments within the union, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other pressing issues affecting Nigerian workers.

The union expressed deep concern over what it described as growing pressure on workers caused by rising fuel prices, inflation, increased electricity tariffs, and worsening insecurity, all of which it said had severely reduced workers’ purchasing power and standard of living.

“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.

“The government must urgently take concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy,” the communiqué stated.

The TUC also noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were worsening domestic economic pressure through rising energy costs and disruptions in global supply chains.

It lamented that despite higher global oil prices, Nigerian workers had not benefited but continued to bear the burden of rising transportation costs, food prices, and essential services.

The congress urged the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and provide relief for vulnerable citizens.

It further called for urgent steps to stabilise fuel prices, improve electricity supply, and tackle insecurity across the country.

On electricity, the TUC condemned repeated tariff hikes without corresponding improvement in service delivery, demanding fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.

The union also called for tax relief for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.

Describing insecurity as a major threat to workers’ safety and economic activities, the congress urged governments at all levels to adopt coordinated, intelligence-driven security strategies to protect lives, farms, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” it said.

The communiqué ended with a strong reminder to authorities: “A stitch in time saves nine.”