The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has warned that it would not hesitate to call out workers for a total shut down if the federal government insisted on implementing anti workers policies.
The congress in a communiqué signed by its president Comrade Festus Osifo at the end of the National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting, said her opposition to the policies is hinged on the fact that Nigerians are already paying heavily on policies that are not effective
He said the policies are devaluation of naira, 50 percent telecom tariff increase, 65 percent electricity tariff increase among others
The communiqué reads in part: “The Root Cause of Escalating Prices and Galloping Inflation . The NAC of TUC thoroughly examined the root cause of the persistent increase in the prices of goods and services across the country It reaffirmed the conclusion it reached over a year ago.
“In February 2024, the TUC addressed a world press conference, where it clearly stated that the excessive devaluation of the naira was the primary cause of rising inflation and the continuous increase in the prices of goods and services. “
The Congress also warned that this trend would worsen inflation in 2024, impacting virtually every sector of the economy and severely affecting the social and economic well-being of Nigerian workers and the masses if the solutions it canvassed were not adopted.
“Twelve months later, our position remains unchanged, as the symptoms of this root cause have manifested clearly. These include the skyrocketing prices of essential goods, the escalating costs of social services, the proposed hike in telecom tariffs, the increase in electricity tariffs (with plans for further increments), the rising prices of petroleum products amongst others.
“The TUC remains focused on addressing the root cause of these economic challenges rather than merely reacting to the manifested symptoms. To this end, the TUC demands a better foreign exchange
”(FX) management regime from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the naira is currently undervalued, as confirmed by both local and international experts. Proposed Toll Gates on Roads and the Speculated 65% Hike in Electricity Tariffs
“The NAC deliberated on the proposed introduction of toll gates on selected federal roads and strongly condemned it in its entirety. While we acknowledge that tolling is a globally recognized method of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes.
“The NAC views this as an insult to Nigerians, who are being asked to pay tolls on roads that are in total disrepair. 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 Congress, therefore, demands that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be fixed, properly tarred, and repaired to international standards before any discussion on tolling can be entertained.
“Similarly, the NAC, on behalf of the Congress, strongly condemns the proposed 65% increase in electricity tariffs. 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.”
