By Chinedu Echianu
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called on the Federal Government to urgently address worsening economic hardship, insecurity and rising electricity tariffs, warning that organised labour may mobilise workers if policies continue to undermine their welfare.
The warning was contained in a communiqué jointly signed by TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro and issued at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the congress held in Abuja on Monday, April 27, 2026.
The council said it reviewed the state of the nation, internal developments within the congress, reports from affiliates and state councils, as well as preparations for the 2026 Workers’ Day celebration.
Concern Over Iran-US Conflict
The TUC expressed concern over the ongoing Iran-US conflict, saying it could have serious implications for Nigeria through higher fuel prices, shipping costs, inflation, food insecurity and pressure on foreign exchange.
According to the congress, despite Nigeria being an oil-producing nation, global crude oil price increases often worsen hardship for citizens rather than bring relief.
It urged the Federal Government to treat the situation as both a foreign policy and domestic economic emergency by protecting Nigerians in affected regions, curbing profiteering, strengthening local refining capacity, building fuel reserves and ensuring excess crude revenue is used transparently to cushion the effects on workers and vulnerable citizens.
Rising Insecurity
The congress also decried growing insecurity across the country, citing kidnappings, terrorism, communal clashes, farm invasions and highway abductions.
It said insecurity had become both an economic and labour crisis, as farmers could no longer access farms, businesses were collapsing and workers faced risks while travelling.
The TUC called for a coordinated, intelligence-driven and community-based security framework, with greater protection for farms, schools, highways, workplaces and rural communities.
Fuel Prices and Tax Relief
On the persistent rise in fuel prices, the congress asked the government to prevent further increases in the pump price of petroleum products.
It recommended that part of excess crude oil revenue earned above the budget benchmark be used to subsidise crude supplied to domestic refineries, including the Dangote Refinery and other local plants.
The TUC said such an intervention would lower refined product costs without returning to the previous fuel subsidy regime.
It also demanded a 50 per cent reduction in taxes for manufacturing companies and workers to ease economic pressure and improve productivity.
Housing Loan Scheme
The congress welcomed the approval of welfare measures for federal civil servants, including the ₦10 billion housing loan scheme.
However, it said the programme must be transparent, affordable and free of bureaucratic bottlenecks, warning against its capture by privileged interests.
It further urged state governments to replicate similar initiatives for local government workers, private sector employees and retirees.
Electricity Tariffs
The TUC strongly condemned repeated increases in electricity tariffs without improved service delivery. It said Nigerians were being made to pay more for unreliable supply, estimated billing and poor customer service.
The congress called on the Federal Government, the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) and distribution companies to ensure universal metering, eliminate estimated billing, improve supply and consult organised labour before introducing new tariff measures.
Internal Matters and May Day Plans
NEC commended the leadership of the congress for sustained engagement on workers’ welfare and national economic issues, while noting progress toward acquiring a permanent national secretariat.
It also reaffirmed its December 2025 resolution recognising Comrade Hannah Omeje as the duly elected chairperson of the Lagos State Council.
The council directed an audit of all state councils and ordered that any non-financial member occupying office should step down in line with congress rules.
On the 2026 May Day celebration, the TUC said the theme would focus on decent work, economic justice, social protection, job security and the defence of workers’ rights.
Casualisation, NAFDAC Dispute
The congress raised concern over growing casualisation of labour, especially in the private sector, and urged the Ministry of Labour to protect vulnerable workers.
It also condemned what it described as unfair labour practices in the food and beverage sector, particularly the impasse involving NAFDAC and distilled product companies, calling on the Minister of Health to intervene and bring parties to the negotiating table.
