The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) ushers in the year 2026 with a renewed pledge to defend the rights, dignity, and welfare of Nigerian workers. The union says despite economic pressures and policy challenges, organised labour remains united, resilient, and focused on protecting workers’ interests nationwide.
In a New Year message released by the National Administrative Council and monitored by Mediaplusng.com, TUC leadership thanks Nigerian workers for their solidarity and commitment throughout 2025. The Congress says the past year tests the labour movement but also strengthens its unity, coordination, and resolve to stand firm against policies that threaten workers’ livelihoods.
The TUC says it records key institutional gains in 2025, including the successful conduct of its Quadrennial Delegates’ Conferences. According to the Congress, the conferences renew its mandate, reinforce internal cohesion, and reaffirm its commitment to democratic and principled trade unionism across the country.
Highlighting major interventions, Mediaplusng.com reports that the TUC actively pushes for the implementation of the new national minimum wage across states. The Congress also supports its affiliates in negotiating collective bargaining agreements in various sectors to improve wages, job security, and working conditions.
The labour centre says it strongly opposes policies that worsen the cost of living for workers. These include resistance to new ATM transaction charges and electricity tariff increases, which the TUC describes as unfair and harmful to low- and middle-income earners already battling inflation and rising household costs.
On petroleum pricing, the Congress says its intervention helps halt proposed import duties and taxes on petroleum products. The TUC notes that such measures would have led to higher fuel prices and deeper economic hardship for workers and the general public.
The Congress also engages government authorities on the timely payment of consequential salary adjustments for public servants. It says these adjustments are necessary to protect workers’ purchasing power and maintain industrial harmony during ongoing economic reforms.
On tax reforms, the TUC says it remains actively engaged with policymakers to promote a fair, progressive, and equitable tax system. The Congress insists that workers, low-income earners, and the poor must not bear the brunt of fiscal reforms.
Beyond policy advocacy, the TUC records the acquisition of a new National Headquarters as a major milestone. The Congress describes the development as a symbol of institutional stability, growth, and improved capacity to serve Nigerian workers more effectively.
Looking ahead to 2026, the TUC expresses concern over persistent inflation and rising living costs. It calls on governments at all levels to urgently review and improve workers’ allowances as temporary relief, pending the full implementation of a new national minimum wage in 2027.
The Congress urges workers to remain united and resolute, stressing that solidarity remains the strongest tool of the labour movement. It says the TUC will continue to stand with workers and advocate for policies that promote fairness, dignity, and economic justice in Nigeria.
