The Trade Union Congress (TUC) cautions that the recent petrol price hike will exacerbate poverty among workers, calling for urgent measures to mitigate the impact on livelihoods.

The recent hike in the pump price of petroleum has been opposed by the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), which cautions that it will exacerbate poverty among laborers.

On Wednesday, a statement was released by the union to articulate their stance.

In the statement signed by Comrade Festus Osifo, President of TUC, it was urged that the Federal Government reverse its decisions without delay, implement policies that fortify the naira and take prompt actions to ease Nigerians’ distress.

The argument presented was that the abrupt increase in price, which did not involve consulting important parties, demonstrated a clear disregard for the well-being of Nigerians. In particular, this decision unfairly impacted those who belong to the working class.

According to Osifo, the sudden increase in fuel and electricity expenses will worsen these difficulties, causing more suffering and possible civil unrest.

Our plea to the government is to retract these choices without delay, encourage initiatives that will fortify the naira and implement significant measures to alleviate Nigerians’ hardships. The administration must take prompt action towards reinstating trust and halting any further decline in citizens’ standard of living.

The resolution of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria to safeguard the rights and welfare of Nigerian laborers is unwavering, as they persist in lobbying for measures that foster equitable remuneration, socio-economic equity, and a respectable workplace ambiance.

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are taxes on imported or exported goods imposed by a country’s government.

The TUC expressed deep concern over the recent increase of 250% in electricity tariffs, noting that it is a vital necessity for the survival of underprivileged members within society.

The critique also questioned the government’s policies, specifically their timing and severity of increases, prompting them to question why it was necessary for common citizens to endure such burdens.

“Why is it that ordinary Nigerians have to suffer from the high cost of living, while those in power enjoy higher allocations and prosperity?” read the statement.

The Congress had proposed various strategies to Osifo aimed at bolstering the Naira and maximizing the value of every kobo spent by Nigerians.

One of the fundamental causes of the country’s economic challenges, he asserted, was attributed to a weakened Naira.

The recent escalation of electricity tariffs to a whopping 250% is causing us great concern, particularly given that many poor individuals rely on this essential service for their livelihoods. The lack of any meaningful social safety nets coupled with the timing and size of these rate increases indicates a failure in empathy towards the daily struggles faced by everyday Nigerians.

Why must ordinary Nigerians bear the brunt of high living costs, while those in authority benefit from increased funding and prosperity?

Osifo stated that the government has not made any significant attempts to lower governance expenses or personal belongings costs. Additionally, they have failed to allocate resources towards strengthening the naira and enhancing citizens’ quality of life through policy implementation.