TUC's Festus Osifo Calls for Naira Strengthening to Cut Fuel Costs

Festus Osifo, the President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), called on the Nigerian federal government to strengthen the Naira to a range of N700 to N800 per US Dollar to help reduce the rising cost of goods, including fuel prices. Speaking at a press conference in Abuja after the TUC's National Administrative Council meeting, Osifo highlighted that the current official exchange rate is just above N1,300 to the USD, which he considers undervalued.

He commended the Central Bank of Nigeria's governor, Cardoso, for his efforts but insisted that more could be done. Osifo also addressed the issue of insecurity in Nigeria, urging the government to provide security agencies with necessary funds and equipment.

He condemned a recent incident in Niger State that resulted in the deaths of 37 individuals in custody and called for accountability for those responsible. Additionally, he mentioned that the TUC expects minimum wage discussions to commence by February.