The Trade Union Congress, TUC, is urging the Nigerian government to fulfill the agreements made with organized labor in 2023, particularly regarding the National Minimum Wage. In a joint statement by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the union expressed disappointment in the government’s failure to implement crucial agreements, emphasizing the need for dialogue and adherence to commitments.
Osifo highlighted the government’s repeated violation of agreements, specifically citing the delay in constituting a minimum wage committee as outlined in the 2023 agreements. The TUC insists on the immediate implementation of the N35,000 wage award for public servants at local, state, and federal levels, emphasizing the necessity for a new National Minimum Wage along with timely payment of arrears.
Addressing economic concerns, Osifo stressed the urgency of reducing inflation and called for prudent borrowing practices, urging the government to cease the devaluation of the national currency. He emphasized the adverse impact of currency devaluation on local industries and the need to address inflation in the import-dependent economy.
The TUC president also advocated for measures to stabilize the Naira, emphasizing the importance of ample Naira supply in the banking system and called for a significant reduction in the price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) to mitigate the economic repercussions and promote local refining of petroleum products.
Furthermore, Osifo emphasized the imperative of prioritizing the security of Nigerians and holding officials accountable for security breaches. He underscored the need for community policing and citizen mobilization to confront security challenges, calling on the government to address incidents such as the December 2023 massacres in Plateau.
Looking ahead to 2024, Osifo urged Nigerians to unite and assert their influence over the ruling class in government, underscoring the collective responsibility to shape the nation’s future. The TUC’s call to action reflects their commitment to advocating for the welfare of Nigerian workers and the broader population, emphasizing the importance of upholding agreements and addressing critical economic and security issues.
