Nigeria’s organized labor movement has urged the federal government to stop introducing policies that hurt ordinary citizens, warning that many workers are struggling under rising costs of living.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) made the call Thursday in Abuja, saying the administration’s recent decisions have placed unbearable pressure on families and widened inequality.

Union leaders said fuel subsidy removal, electricity tariff hikes, and currency devaluation have caused hardship across the country. They argued that these policies benefit elites while leaving low- and middle-income workers unable to meet basic needs.

Rising costs hitting workers

NLC President Joe Ajaero said Nigerian workers have been forced to make painful sacrifices since the government began implementing reforms earlier this year.

“Every policy should consider the wellbeing of citizens first. Instead, we are seeing measures that continue to push people into poverty,” Ajaero said. “Workers are not asking for luxury. They are asking to survive.”

The TUC echoed this view, stressing that wages have not kept pace with soaring inflation. The unions said many households cannot afford food, transport, and medical care.

According to Nigeria’s National Bureau of Statistics, inflation climbed above 30% in August, the highest in nearly three decades. Food inflation was even higher, driving hunger and malnutrition in many states.

Calls for urgent action

The unions are demanding the government reverse recent electricity tariff increases, provide subsidies for essential goods, and raise the minimum wage.

They also want more consultation before future reforms. “We cannot continue to wake up and hear that government has made another decision that makes life harder for citizens,” said Ajaero. “Dialogue is key if we want stability.”

TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro said workers feel abandoned. “The government must stop pushing anti-poor policies and start focusing on measures that bring relief,” he said.

Both unions warned that if nothing changes, they may mobilize nationwide protests in the coming weeks.

Government’s response

Officials argue that reforms are needed to stabilize the economy and attract investment. The government has said that subsidy removal was necessary to free up funds for infrastructure and social programs.

Finance Minister Wale Edun said last month that while reforms are painful in the short term, they will create long-term benefits. “Nigeria cannot continue with policies that drain public finances,” he said.

The government has promised to expand cash transfer programs and provide relief packages for vulnerable households. But union leaders say these measures have not reached most Nigerians.

Widening gap

Analysts say the standoff highlights Nigeria’s struggle to balance reform with social protection.

Economist Bismarck Rewane noted that while structural changes are important, they must be paired with safety nets. “Reforms without compensation create resentment. People need to see hope, not just hardship,” he said.

Civil society groups have also joined the debate, calling for policies that reduce inequality. They argue that neglecting workers could trigger unrest and weaken support for reforms.

What comes next

The NLC and TUC are planning meetings with members to decide on next steps. Both unions say they remain open to dialogue but insist the government must show good faith by addressing immediate concerns.

“Workers are at the heart of the economy. When they cannot live decently, the whole system suffers,” Ajaero said.

For now, Nigerian workers wait anxiously to see if the government will soften its stance or if industrial action will follow. The outcome could shape the country’s economic and political direction in the months ahead.

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