Tensions are rising as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in rejecting the federal government’s proposed hikes in electricity tariffs, telecom charges, and road tolls.
The unions warn that these measures, if implemented, could push struggling Nigerians further into economic hardship and provoke mass unrest.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, following a meeting of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the TUC, its President, Festus Osifo, delivered a stern message to the government: rethink these policies or face industrial action.
One of the most contentious issues is the planned reintroduction of tolls on selected federal highways. While acknowledging that tolling is a globally accepted means of road maintenance funding, Osifo said the government’s plan is exploitative and unjustified, considering the poor state of Nigerian roads.
“Our highways are death traps—unsafe, abandoned, and riddled with potholes. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to shameless extortion,” the TUC declared in a communique.
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The union demanded that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be repaired to international standards before any discussion on toll charges could take place.
Labour unions have also raised concerns over planned telecom tariff hikes, which include:
- Calls increasing from N12 to N18 per minute
- SMS charges rising from N4 to N6 per text
- Data costs jumping from N300 to N400 per gigabyte
The NLC had planned a nationwide protest against these increases but suspended it for two weeks after signing a Memorandum of Agreement with the federal government on February 3, 2025. The TUC, however, is keeping a close watch, warning that if the agreement fails to bring relief, labour unions will take action.
Although the government recently denied plans to increase electricity tariffs by 65%, the TUC expressed alarm that such discussions were even on the table.
“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 further argued that previous tariff hikes had not resulted in improved electricity supply, as millions of Nigerians continue to endure frequent blackouts and erratic service despite paying higher fees.
The TUC also pointed to the continuous devaluation of the Naira as a key driver of inflation and skyrocketing costs of living. The union recalled a statement from February 2024, in which it warned that the excessive devaluation of the Naira would lead to economic instability—a prediction that is now playing out in real time.
As frustration mounts, the TUC is making it clear that if the government does not reverse course, organized labour will mobilize nationwide protests.
“If the administration insists on implementing these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to mobilize 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.
