The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has revealed that no fewer than 56% of Nigerians are currently living below the poverty line, highlighting the severe economic challenges facing the nation.
Speaking during the 1st Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Lagos State Council, Osifo expressed deep concern over the worsening hardship experienced by millions of citizens, which is further aggravated by the absence of adequate social protection systems.
Represented by the Acting Secretary General of TUC, Mrs. Olawunmi Jimoh, Osifo outlined multiple pressing issues including runaway inflation, widespread food insecurity, unaffordable education, unstable power supply, a weakened agricultural system, and unsustainable borrowing practices.
He described these challenges not merely as policy failures, but as symptoms of a system that has failed its people.
The TUC President also voiced strong opposition to recent legislative efforts aimed at moving labour from the Exclusive Legislative List to the Concurrent List, labeling the proposal as anti-worker, retrogressive, and a direct threat to the unity of the Nigerian labour movement.
He emphatically stated that the union would resist the bill by every lawful means available and has placed all state councils on red alert, ready to act upon directives from the national headquarters.
Osifo commended the outgoing executive committee of the Lagos State Council for their dedication and leadership, while urging the incoming leaders to demonstrate unwavering commitment and impactful service.
He emphasized that the conference served as an opportunity for strategic reflection and repositioning to better address the needs of workers across the country.
Additionally, the Chairman of TUC Lagos Council, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, noted the generally robust relationship between the union and the state government, acknowledging that even amid disagreements, both parties have maintained open communication to resolve issues collaboratively.
The event also included the presentation of awards to individuals in recognition of their exemplary service to the union.
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cc: Nigerian Tribune
