May Day: TUC Threatens Nationwide Protest Over Hardship

Ahead of the 2026 Workers Day (May Day) celebrations, the leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that it may embark on a nationwide protest if the Federal Government fails to urgently address the worsening economic conditions and declining welfare of Nigerian workers.

Even as the union lamented against insecurity in the land, it described the situation as a major threat to economic activities and workers’ safety.

Also, he admitted that coordinated, intelligence-driven responses at all levels of government would go a long way to protect lives, farms, businesses, and critical infrastructure.

TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, who made this known yesterday, cited the dwindling power of average Nigerian workers, whereby their monthly salary can no longer sustain them, as one of the reasons for the mobilisation of Nigerian workers for the industrial unrest.

Just as the union, in a jointly signed message by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, while reiterating the concern of Nigerian workers, pointed out that the union would embark on the protest to further draw the attention of the government to the plight of the general masses.

Osifo charged the government to prioritise the welfare, dignity and security of Nigerian workers in all policy decisions.

The duo expressed concern that the prevailing economic hardship had severely reduced the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.

“The prevailing economic hardship has significantly affected the living standards of Nigerian workers, making daily survival increasingly difficult.

“We are closely monitoring the situation, and if there is no improvement, the Congress will have no option but to mobilise workers in defence of their welfare.”