…..threatens nationwide action.
By AKOR SYLVESTER-Abuja
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the proposed return of toll gates in some selected federal roads across the country, stating that the policy will bring more financial burden on motorists and Nigerians.
It said if government must proceed on the planned introduction of toll gates, it must first of all fix Nigerian roads to acceptable standard before coming to negotiation table with relevant stakeholders and Nigerians.
The President of TUC, Festus Osifo and the General Secretary of the congress, Nuhu Toro, in a communique they sighed at the end of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the union in Abuja, condemned the proposed introduction of toll gates on selected federal roads and urged government to reverse the decision until the appropriate thing is done.
The communique said: “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.
“Furthermore, the improved service quality promised during the last tariff hike, particularly for consumers under the so-called “Band A” category, has not been realized. Most consumers, regardless of their tariff band, continue to live in perpetual darkness.
“The NAC also examined the planned 50% increase in telecom tariffs and fully endorses the position of our sister labor center, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NIC), in rejecting this move. The decision to increase tariffs was made without proper consideration of its economic impact on the masses. There must be meaningful engagement to explore alternatives and ensure that any policy adjustments are fair, sustainable, and do not further burden already struggling citizens”.
Other resolution, according to the communique, were devaluation of the Naira and others. It said: “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”.
Starting that there is need for consultation with critical stakeholders before
implementing policies affecting the masses, it said: “We have observed that government has been very reluctant and international in not engaging Organised Labour before policies are implemented.
“Effective policymaking requires inclusive consultation with critical stakeholders before implementation, especially when policies impact the general public. Engaging labor unions, civil society organizations, industry experts, and community representatives ensures that policies are well-informed, balanced, and widely accepted.
“Failure to consult often leads to resistance, unintended consequences, and potential crises. Inclusive dialogue fosters transparency, trust, and collective ownership, making policies more effective and sustainable. The government must prioritize stakeholder engagement to uphold democratic principles and promote policies that truly serve the people’s interests.
“We therefore call on government to prioritize stakeholder engagement and uphold democratic principles, that promote policies which truly serve the people’s interests.
“The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) strongly condemns any attempt to suppress unionization in the private sector, as it is a fundamental right protected by national and international labor laws.
“Denying workers the right to unionize violates their freedom of association and will not be tolerated.
Unionization is crucial for fair wages, job security, and improved working conditions. The TUC warns that any employer engaging in anti-union practices will face strong resistance. The Congress urges the government to take decisive action against violations, reaffirming its commitment to protecting workers’ rights.
“The NAC, on behalf of the Congress, strongly advises the government to refrain from introducing policies that would further exacerbate the current economic hardship faced by hardworking Nigerians. If the administration insists on implementing these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to mobilize 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”.
