…Threatens mass protest over FG’s policies
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC), has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to toll selected highways and the proposed electricity tariff hike, warning of possible mass protests.
TUC President, Festus Osifo, condemned the tolling policy at the union’s National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja, criticising the government for implementing policies without stakeholder consultations. He described tolling on unpaved and dilapidated roads as “shameless extortion”, insisting that roads must be repaired to international standards before any tolls can be considered.
While the government recently denied plans for a 65% electricity tariff hike, the TUC expressed alarm that such an increase was even considered. Osifo decried the economic hardship caused by previous tariff hikes, stating that promised service improvements have not materialised, leaving many Nigerians in darkness.
The union also linked rising inflation and economic distress to the naira’s devaluation, urging the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to adopt better foreign exchange policies.
Osifo warned that if these policies are not reviewed in favor of citizens, the TUC will mobilize workers, civil society, and the masses for nationwide protests. “A stitch in time saves nine”, he warned.
