The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to introduce tolling on selected federal roads, calling it an unacceptable form of extortion given the poor state of the country’s road network.

TUC President Festus Osifo made the union’s position clear on Thursday while presiding over the 1st Quarter 2025 National Administrative Council (NAC) meeting in Abuja.

Tolling Bad Roads is an Insult to Nigerians – TUC

Osifo criticized the government for failing to engage relevant stakeholders before making decisions that directly affect citizens.

“The 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,” he stated.

Describing Nigeria’s highways as death traps, he warned that tolling them without first repairing and upgrading them to international standards would amount to exploiting suffering Nigerians.

“Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to shameless extortion,” Osifo added.

The TUC has demanded that no tolling should be introduced until all earmarked roads are fully rehabilitated and properly tarred.

Electricity Tariff Hike: An Act of Economic Oppression

Although the Federal Government recently denied plans to increase electricity tariffs by 65%, the TUC expressed concerns that such an increase was even considered.

Osifo lamented that the previous tariff hike had already placed severe hardship on citizens, with no improvement in electricity supply.

“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. Most consumers, regardless of their tariff band, continue to live in perpetual darkness,” he said.

TUC Blames Naira Devaluation for Inflation, Calls for FX Reforms

The TUC identified the devaluation of the naira as the root cause of rising inflation and escalating costs of goods and services.

Osifo recalled that in February 2024, the union had warned that excessive naira devaluation would worsen inflation and affect virtually every sector of the economy.

“Twelve months later, our position remains unchanged. The symptoms of this root cause have manifested clearly—skyrocketing prices of essential goods, rising electricity and telecom tariffs, and higher fuel prices,” he noted.

The union urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to adopt a better foreign exchange management regime, as experts—both local and international—agree that the naira is currently undervalued.

TUC Threatens Nationwide Protest

The TUC warned that if these anti-people policies were not reviewed to favor citizens, the union would mobilize workers, civil society groups, and the general public for a nationwide protest.

“The NAC, on behalf of the Congress, strongly advises the government to refrain from introducing policies that would further worsen the 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 and the oppressed masses for nationwide action. This level of exploitation is unacceptable. A stitch in time saves nine,” Osifo declared.

With economic pressures mounting on Nigerian households, the TUC’s strong stance signals the possibility of widespread labor unrest if the government fails to reconsider its policies.