ABUJA, Nigeria – The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to toll selected federal roads as a means of revenue generation.
The union also rejected any attempt to increase telecom tariffs, warning that such a move would further compound the economic hardship Nigerians are currently facing.
TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, made these remarks while presiding over the 1st Quarter 2025 National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja, reports Nigerian Tribune.
He condemned the reintroduction of toll gates on some federal highways, arguing that the government must first ensure that the roads are in good condition.
Osifo criticised government policies such as the flotation of the naira for worsening economic conditions.
He expressed concern that the Federal Government often introduces policies that affect citizens without proper consultation with relevant stakeholders.
He stated that it was frustrating and unjust to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes.
A communiqué issued at the end of the meeting partly read: “NAC deliberated on the proposed introduction of toll gates on selected federal roads and strongly condemned it in its entirety.
While we acknowledge that tolling is a globally recognized method of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes.
“The NAC views this as an insult to Nigerians, who are being asked to pay tolls on roads that are in total disrepair.
“Our highways are death traps—unsafe, abandoned, and filled with potholes. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to shameless extortion.
“The Congress, therefore, demands that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be fixed, properly tarred, and repaired to international standards before any discussion on tolling can be entertained,” it added.
Although the Federal Government recently denied plans to increase electricity tariffs by 65%, the TUC expressed alarm that such a hike was even considered.
Osifo lamented that past tariff increments had already inflicted severe hardship on Nigerians.
He said: “This proposed increase is not only ill-timed but also a deliberate act of economic oppression against Nigerians, who are already struggling under unbearable economic conditions.
“The improved service quality promised during the last tariff hike, particularly for consumers under the so-called ‘Band A’ category, has not been realized. Most consumers, regardless of their tariff band, continue to live in perpetual darkness.”
TUC attributed the root cause of skyrocketing prices and inflation to the devaluation of the naira.
Osifo recalled that in February 2024, the TUC had warned in a world press conference that excessive devaluation of the naira would lead to inflation, driving up the cost of goods and services.
Twelve months later, he noted, those predictions had come true.
According to him: “These include the skyrocketing prices of essential goods, the escalating costs of social services, the proposed hike in telecom tariffs, the increase in electricity tariffs (with plans for further increments), the rising prices of petroleum products, among others.
“The TUC remains focused on addressing the root cause of these economic challenges rather than merely reacting to the manifested symptoms.
“To this end, the TUC demands a better foreign exchange (FX) management regime from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the naira is currently undervalued, as confirmed by both local and international experts.”
Osifo warned that if government policies are not reviewed to favor the citizens, the TUC may be forced to mobilize a mass protest.
“The NAC, on behalf of the Congress, strongly advises the government to refrain from introducing policies that would further exacerbate the current economic hardship faced by hardworking Nigerians.
“If the administration insists on implementing these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to mobilize the working class, civil society, and the oppressed masses for a nationwide action. This level of exploitation is unacceptable. A stitch in time saves nine,” he warned.
