By David Adeyemi
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that it may embark on a nationwide protest if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening economic conditions and declining welfare of Nigerian workers.
This position was contained in a communiqué issued on Monday in Abuja at the end of the TUC National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, jointly signed by its President, Mr. Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro.
The congress said the NEC reviewed the state of the nation, internal developments, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration, and other pressing issues affecting workers across the country.
It expressed concern that the prevailing economic hardship had severely reduced the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.
“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 communiqué stated.
The TUC urged the Federal Government to take immediate and concrete steps to address the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy.
It identified fuel price hikes, inflation, electricity tariff increases, and insecurity as key factors eroding workers’ purchasing power and overall quality of life. It also noted that global developments, including the Iran–U.S. conflict, were contributing to higher energy costs and supply chain disruptions.
According to the congress, Nigerian workers have not benefitted from rising global oil prices, as they continue to face escalating costs of transportation, food, and essential services.
It called on the Federal Government to deploy excess crude revenue to cushion economic shocks and support vulnerable citizens, while also urging measures to stabilise fuel prices and improve electricity supply.
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The TUC further condemned repeated electricity tariff increases without corresponding service improvements, demanding fair pricing, universal metering, and an end to estimated billing.
On insecurity, the congress described the situation as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety, urging coordinated, intelligence-driven responses at all levels of government to protect lives, farms, businesses, and critical infrastructure.
It also advocated tax relief for manufacturing firms and workers, saying such measures would ease economic pressure and stimulate productivity.
“The government must prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions,” the TUC stated, adding that “a stitch in time saves nine.”
