TUC Urges Tax Relief for Workers Amid Economic Hardship

During a meeting of the National Executive Council (NEC) held in Abuja on Monday, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) expressed significant concern over the economic hardships faced by Nigerian workers due to rising fuel costs and inflation. TUC President Festus Osifo noted that despite Nigeria's status as an oil-producing nation, the benefits of higher crude oil prices have not translated into relief for citizens.

He called for immediate fiscal intervention, including a 50% reduction in taxes for workers and manufacturers to ease household burdens. The TUC warned that without urgent action, the combined effects of high product costs and declining consumer purchasing power could lead to job losses and business closures.

The congress also urged the government to deploy excess crude revenue to stabilize the economy and support local refineries. Additionally, the TUC condemned the persistent increase in electricity tariffs without corresponding improvements in service delivery and called for a coordinated security strategy to address rising insecurity affecting agricultural production.