The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has vowed to “down tools” in response to the recent telecom tariff hike, stating that citizens are now “feeding from hand to mouth.”
TUC President Festus Osifo made the announcement during an appearance on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Thursday, attributing the tariff increase to the mismanagement of foreign exchange, a problem he believes the government can easily address. While acknowledging the changing socio-economic landscape that telecom operators are working in, Osifo emphasized that it is the government’s responsibility to ensure a stable economic environment for businesses to succeed.
“Government has the tools and wherewithal to manage the landscape and ensure that the cost of doing business is reduced,” Osifo explained. “One of the key ways to achieve this is through better management of the exchange rate, as that is the root cause of the problem.”
When asked about the ultimatum being given to the Nigerian government, Osifo revealed, “The NAC [TUC’s National Advisory Council] met today. After that, we’ll have the Central Working Committee meeting, followed by the NEC [National Executive Council]. At the NEC, we will make the final decision.”
He stressed, “What we are saying is that if the government allows the currency to slide, it will affect all of us.”
Osifo also clarified that the TUC is apolitical. “I don’t belong to any political party, and we always seek what’s in the best interest of Nigerian workers and citizens.” He reiterated that the TUC had raised concerns about exchange rate management last year and believes that better handling of the currency could have prevented the need for the tariff increase.
When asked whether TUC is proceeding with industrial action, Osifo confirmed, “Absolutely,” adding that the union would “down tools and take to the streets.” The NEC of TUC, he noted, is responsible for setting the date for the strike.
TUC members oversee critical sectors of the economy, including the oil industry.
