The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has strongly opposed the government’s plan to introduce tollgates on some highways and increase electricity and telecom tariffs. The union has warned that if these policies go forward, they will mobilize workers and citizens for nationwide protests.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, spoke at a press briefing in Abuja after a meeting of the union’s National Administrative Council. He urged the government to address the negative effects of the Naira’s devaluation, which has worsened economic hardship in the country.
A statement from the meeting rejected the tollgate plan, saying that Nigerian roads are in bad condition and should be fixed before any tolling is considered.
“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. Our highways are death traps unsafe, abandoned, and filled with potholes. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to shameless extortion,” the statement read.
The TUC also criticized the planned increase in telecom and electricity tariffs, saying it would add to the suffering of Nigerians.
The Federal Government had earlier met with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on February 3, 2025, and signed an agreement that led to a temporary suspension of protests against telecom tariff hikes. The proposed increases include:
– Calls: From N12 to N18 per minute
– SMS: From N4 to N6 per message
– Data: From N300 to N400 per gigabyte
– Electricity: Possible 66% tariff increase
Although the government denied plans for a 65% electricity tariff hike, the TUC said any increase at this time would worsen economic hardship.
“his 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.
The union blamed rising inflation and high prices on the continued devaluation of the Naira. It warned that if the government did not change its economic policies, mass protests would be inevitable.
“If the administration insists on implementing these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to mobilise 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 declared.
