By James Abel
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has called for an urgent review and enhancement of workers’ allowances as a temporary relief measure to cushion the impact of persistent inflation and rising living costs, pending the full implementation of a new National Minimum Wage in 2027.
The TUC stressed that Nigerian workers should not be left to shoulder the burden of economic reforms without adequate protection and support.
This position was contained in a New Year message issued on Monday and signed by the TUC President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and the Secretary General, Dr. Nuhu Toro.
The labour centre said it remains actively engaged on the proposed new tax regime, advocating a fair, progressive and equitable system that does not disproportionately burden workers, low-income earners or the poor.
Reflecting on the past year, the TUC said 2025 tested the resilience of the labour movement, noting that it stood firm and emerged stronger, more coordinated and resolute in defending the rights, dignity and welfare of Nigerian workers.
The message read: “On behalf of the National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), I extend warm New Year greetings and heartfelt gratitude to God Almighty and to Nigerian workers whose steadfast solidarity continues to strengthen our collective voice and purpose.
“The year 2025, like those before it, tested the resilience of the labour movement. Through the vigilance of our organs, the discipline of our affiliates, and the unity of our Congress, we stood firm. We emerged stronger, more coordinated, and resolute in our commitment to defend the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerian workers.”
According to the TUC, Congress consolidated its institutional strength during the year, particularly through the successful conduct of its Quadrennial Delegates’ Conferences, which renewed its mandate, reinforced internal cohesion and reaffirmed its commitment to principled, democratic trade unionism.
“In advancing workers’ welfare, Congress recorded notable interventions, including: Minimum Wage and Collective Bargaining: Congress actively pursued the implementation of the new national minimum wage across states and supported affiliates in negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) across sectors,” the statement added.
On opposition to policies considered anti-worker, the TUC said: “We challenged the introduction of new ATM transaction charges and opposed electricity tariff hikes that would have further strained workers’ livelihoods.”
It also noted that Congress strongly opposed the proposed 15 per cent import duty and the five per cent tax on petroleum products, interventions it said helped avert further increases in pump prices and cost-of-living pressures.
Commenting on consequential salary adjustments, the TUC stated: “We engaged relevant authorities to ensure prompt implementation of consequential salary adjustments for public servants, aimed at protecting purchasing power and sustaining industrial harmony.”
On tax reforms, the labour centre said: “Congress remains actively engaged on the proposed new tax regime, advocating for a fair, progressive, and equitable system that does not disproportionately burden workers, low-income earners, or the poor.”
The TUC also highlighted the acquisition of a new National Headquarters as a major institutional milestone, describing it as a symbol of stability, growth and renewed commitment to serving Nigerian workers with greater efficiency and professionalism.
Looking ahead, the Congress said: “As we step into 2026, Congress remains deeply concerned about the harsh economic realities confronting workers. In view of persistent inflation and rising living costs, the TUC calls on governments at all levels to urgently review and enhance workers’ allowances as a temporary relief measure, pending the full implementation of a new National Minimum Wage in 2027, in line with the Labour Act.
“Nigerian workers must not be left to shoulder the burden of economic reforms without adequate protection and support.”
The TUC said unity remains its greatest strength, urging workers to move into 2026 with renewed resolve, strengthened solidarity and unwavering commitment to shared ideals.
In conclusion, the labour centre stated: “Together, we shall continue to build a labour movement that stands firmly for workers and for Nigeria.”
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