TUC threatens mass protests over proposed tolling, tariff hikes
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has joined forces with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in opposing the government’s proposed hikes in electricity tariffs, telecom charges and the introduction of tolls on selected highways.
TUC President Festus Osifo voiced these concerns during a press conference in Abuja after a National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting.
He urged the government to address the negative impact of the naira’s devaluation on the economy and warned that ignoring labour unions’ demands could lead to widespread industrial unrest.
A communique from the NAC meeting strongly condemned the planned tolling of federal roads, arguing that it is unjustifiable to impose tolls on poorly maintained, pothole-ridden highways.
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“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 communique read.
The TUC demanded that roads be repaired to international standards before any tolling discussions could take place.
The union also criticised the proposed telecom tariff hikes, which include increasing call rates from N12 to N18 per minute, SMS charges from N4 to N6, and data costs from N300 to N400 per gigabyte. Additionally, the TUC expressed deep concern over the government’s alleged consideration of a 66% electricity tariff hike, calling it economic oppression against Nigerians already struggling with inflation and poor service quality. The government has since denied having such consideration.
Osifo reiterated that if the government proceeds with these policies, the TUC would mobilise workers, civil society and the masses for nationwide protests, emphasising that urgent action is needed to prevent further economic hardship.
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