By Ihechi Enyinnaya
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s plan to introduce tolls on selected federal roads as a means of generating revenue. The union also opposed any increase in telecom tariffs, warning that such measures would worsen the already dire economic hardship faced by Nigerians.
TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, made these statements during the 1st Quarter 2025 National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja. He expressed outrage over the government’s plan to reintroduce toll gates, arguing that it is unjust to impose tolls on roads that are poorly maintained, riddled with potholes, and in a state of disrepair.
Osifo criticized the government for what he called a failure to properly maintain the country’s highways, turning them into “death traps.” He argued that tolling should not be considered until the roads are fixed to international standards.
A communiqué issued at the end of the NAC meeting stated: “While tolling is globally recognized as a means of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are in a deplorable state. This is an insult to Nigerians, who are being asked to pay for roads that are unsafe and neglected.”
The union also raised concerns over the proposed increase in electricity tariffs, which the Federal Government has recently denied. However, TUC leaders expressed alarm that such a hike had even been considered, given the severe economic hardship Nigerians are already enduring. Osifo noted that past tariff hikes had not led to improved services, especially for consumers in the so-called “Band A” category, who still face frequent power outages.
The TUC also pointed to the devaluation of the naira as a key driver of inflation and skyrocketing prices for essential goods and services. Osifo reminded attendees that the union had warned of the economic consequences of excessive naira devaluation in February 2024, and the current situation had proven those predictions correct. The rising prices of electricity, telecom services, and petroleum products have compounded the challenges faced by Nigerians.
In response to these economic issues, Osifo called for a better foreign exchange management regime from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to address the undervaluation of the naira.
The TUC warned the government that if these policies are not reconsidered to alleviate the burdens on citizens, the union may be forced to mobilize a mass protest. “If the administration continues to impose these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to lead a nationwide action,” Osifo declared. “This level of exploitation is unacceptable, and a stitch in time saves nine.”
The union’s call for action underscores the increasing tensions over government policies that are seen as exacerbating the economic crisis, particularly among the working class and marginalized Nigerians.