TUC Hails Workers, Calls for Pay Review in 2026

By Chinedu Echianu

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has commended Nigerian workers for their solidarity and resilience, saying the labour movement emerged stronger in 2025 despite economic and policy challenges.

In a New Year message issued by the National Administrative Council (NAC) to mark the beginning of 2026, the TUC leadership expressed gratitude to God and to workers nationwide, noting that unity and discipline within the Congress helped sustain its collective strength and purpose throughout the past year.

The message, jointly signed by TUC President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, urged workers to remain united and resolute in the new year, assuring that the Congress would continue to defend their rights, dignity and welfare.

Reviewing activities in 2025, the TUC said it consolidated its institutional capacity, particularly with the successful conduct of its Quadrennial Delegates’ Conferences, which renewed its mandate, strengthened internal cohesion and reaffirmed its commitment to democratic trade unionism.

The Congress highlighted key interventions aimed at protecting workers’ welfare, including pushing for the implementation of the new national minimum wage across states and supporting affiliates in negotiating Collective Bargaining Agreements in various sectors. It also opposed what it described as anti-worker fiscal measures, such as new ATM transaction charges and electricity tariff hikes.

According to the TUC, its resistance to proposed increases in petroleum costs — including a 15 per cent import duty and a five per cent tax on petroleum products — helped avert further hikes in fuel prices and additional cost-of-living pressures. The Congress also said it engaged authorities to secure the implementation of consequential salary adjustments for public servants.

On tax reforms, the TUC noted that it remains actively involved in discussions on the proposed new tax regime, advocating a fair, progressive and equitable system that does not disproportionately burden workers, low-income earners or the poor.

The Congress also announced the acquisition of a new National Headquarters, describing it as a major institutional milestone that reflects stability, growth and a renewed commitment to efficient service delivery.

Looking ahead to 2026, the TUC expressed concern over persistent inflation and rising living costs, calling 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.