The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has opposed the proposed 65 percent increase in electricity tariff, calling it an act of economic oppression against Nigerians.
The labour union issued a communiqué at the end of its first-quarter National Administrative Council meeting held in Abuja on Thursday.
Addressing journalists after the meeting, President of the Trade Union Congress, Festus Osifo said the union was outraged by the government’s plan to impose a new electricity tariff increase despite the widespread hardship citizens already face.
“It is alarming that the government is considering this hike when the previous increment has already inflicted severe hardship on citizens. 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 stated.
He noted that promises of improved service quality following the last tariff hike had not been fulfilled, particularly for consumers under the “Band A” category. “Most consumers, regardless of their tariff band, continue to live in perpetual darkness,” he added.
The Trade Union Congress also rejected the planned 50 percent increase in telecom tariffs, aligning with the position of the Nigeria Labour Congress in opposing the move.
Osifo argued that the decision to increase telecom tariffs was made without properly considering its economic impact on the masses.
“There must be meaningful engagement to explore alternatives and ensure that any policy adjustments are fair, sustainable, and do not further increase the burden on struggling citizens,” he said.
The labour union also rejected the proposed reintroduction of toll gates on major highways, describing it as an unjust move by the government.
“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,” Osifo said.
He stressed that many highways in the country are unsafe, abandoned, and in terrible condition. “Our highways are death traps. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to extortion,” he stated.
The Trade Union Congress, therefore, demanded that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be rehabilitated and brought up to international standards before any discussion on tolling can take place.
The union also condemned any attempt to suppress unionisation in the private sector, emphasizing that workers’ rights to form and join unions are protected under national and international labour laws.
Osifo urged the government to prioritize stakeholder engagement and uphold democratic principles to ensure that policies truly serve the interests of the people.
As economic challenges continue to mount, the firm stance of the Trade Union Congress signals an ongoing struggle between labour unions and the government over policies that directly affect millions of Nigerians.
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