The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that it may mobilise Nigerian workers for a statewide demonstration if the Federal Government does not promptly address the rising economic hardship and falling welfare standards across the country.
The warning came in the communique published at the end of the National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the congress in Abuja and jointly signed by TUC President, Mr. Festus Osifo and Secretary-General, Mr. Nuhu Toro.
The congress said the NEC took time to consider the situation of the nation, changes inside the union, preparations for the 2026 May Day celebration and other important concerns impacting Nigerian workers.
The union said it was deeply worried by the growing strain on workers from rising gasoline prices, inflation, higher energy rates and greater insecurity that had significantly eroded workers’ purchasing power and standard of living.
“The general decline in the economy has been hugely detrimental to the living standards of Nigerian workers, making life more difficult for them on a daily basis.
“We are monitoring the situation very closely and if there is no improvement, the congress will have no choice but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.
The communiqué said “the government should take immediate concrete measures to tackle the rising cost of living and restore confidence in the economy.
And the TUC said international issues such as the Iran-U.S. dispute were adding to local economic strain through rising energy costs and interruptions to global supply chains.
It complained that Nigerian workers had not profited from the higher global oil prices but remained to shoulder the weight of the growing transportation expenses, food prices and critical services.
The assembly called on the Federal Government to use excess crude money to soften economic shocks and give relief for vulnerable individuals.
It also asked for urgent steps to fix the gasoline costs, enhance energy supplies and confront insecurity in different parts of the country.
On electricity, the TUC decried tariff increases that have not been accompanied by improvements in service delivery, and called for fair pricing, universal metering and an end to anticipated billing.
The union advocated for tax relief to manufacturing companies and workers in an effort to reduce economic pressure and boost productivity.
Insecurity was described during the congress as a severe threat to safety of workers and economic operations and called on governments at all levels to establish coordinated intelligence-driven security plans to protect lives, farms, enterprises and vital infrastructure.
“The government must take into account the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all its policy decisions,” it stated.
The communiqué ended with a pointed admonition to authorities: “A stitch in time saves nine.”
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