TUC demands urgent review of wages, stronger protection for Nigerian workers

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has ushered in the year 2026 with a renewed commitment to defending the rights, dignity and welfare of Nigerian workers, while calling on governments at all levels to urgently cushion the impact of economic hardship on the workforce.
In a New Year message issued on behalf of the National Administrative Council (NAC), the leadership of the Congress expressed gratitude to God Almighty and to Nigerian workers noting their “steadfast solidarity continues to strengthen our collective voice and purpose.”
Reflecting on the outgoing year, the TUC noted that 2025 was another demanding period for the labour movement, marked by economic pressures and policy challenges that tested workers’ resilience nationwide.
According to the Congress, unity and discipline within its structures were key to weathering the storm. “Through the vigilance of our organs, the discipline of our affiliates, and the d  unity of our Congress, we stood firm and emerged stronger, more coordinated and resolute,” the statement said.
A major highlight of the year was the successful conduct of the TUC Quadrennial Delegates’ Conferences, which the Congress said renewed its mandate, reinforced internal cohesion and reaffirmed its commitment to principled and democratic trade unionism.
On workers’ welfare, the TUC said it played an active role in pushing for the implementation of the new national minimum wage across states, while supporting affiliates to negotiate improved Collective Bargaining Agreements (CBAs) across key sectors of the economy.
The Congress also took a firm stance against fiscal measures it described as anti-worker, including the introduction of new ATM transaction charges and proposed electricity tariff hikes, warning that such policies would further erode workers’ already strained incomes.
In the petroleum sector, the TUC said its resistance to a proposed 15 percent import duty and a five percent tax on petroleum products helped avert further increases in pump prices and mitigated additional cost-of-living pressures on Nigerians.
The Congress further stated that it engaged relevant authorities to ensure the prompt implementation of consequential salary adjustments for public servants, stressing that protecting workers’ purchasing power is critical to sustaining industrial harmony.
On ongoing tax reforms, the TUC reaffirmed its engagement with government, advocating for a fair, progressive and equitable tax system. 
It warned that any new tax regime must not disproportionately burden workers, low-income earners or the poor.
Beyond policy advocacy, the Congress recorded what it described as a major institutional milestone with the acquisition of a new National Headquarters, an achievement it said symbolises stability, growth and renewed professionalism in serving Nigerian workers.
Looking ahead, the TUC expressed deep concern over persistent inflation and rising living costs, noting that these realities continue to undermine workers’ welfare despite ongoing economic reforms.
In response, the Congress called 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 cautioned, urging policymakers to place workers at the centre of economic decision-making.
The Congress concluded with a rallying call to workers across the country, stressing that unity remains labour’s greatest strength. 
“As we move into 2026, let us do so with renewed resolve, strengthened solidarity and unwavering commitment to building a labour movement that stands firmly for workers and for Nigeria,” it said.