VIDEO: TUC sets for nationwide strike over tariff hike

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike over the recent hike in telecom tariffs, citing the worsening economic hardship faced by Nigerians.

TUC President Festus Osifo made this known during an appearance on Politics Today, a program on Channels Television, on Thursday. He attributed the tariff increase to the government’s mismanagement of foreign exchange, insisting that authorities have the capacity to stabilize the economy and reduce the cost of doing business.

“We are not blaming the telecom companies because we understand the economic realities they are facing,” Osifo said. “However, the government has a responsibility to ensure a stable economic environment. The root cause of this problem is the exchange rate, and if managed properly, there would be no need for these increments.”

Speaking on the TUC’s next course of action, he revealed that the union’s leadership had met and was preparing to take a firm stance.

“The NAC (National Administrative Council) met today, and next, we will convene the Central Working Committee and the National Executive Council (NEC). It is the NEC that will take the final decision on the strike date,” he explained.

Osifo emphasized that the union is not politically motivated but is only advocating for the interests of Nigerian workers and the general public.

“We have been raising concerns about the exchange rate crisis since last year. If the government had acted, we wouldn’t be in this situation today,” he added.

Watch the video below;

https://x.com/channelstv/status/1887589578045071483?t=ywJJAewFctWbMce9u43ycQ&s=19

When asked if the TUC was serious about industrial action, Osifo affirmed, “Absolutely. We will down tools and take to the streets.”

The union’s NEC is expected to announce a final decision on the strike date in the coming days.