Festus Osifo has been re-elected as President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for another four-year term, following an unopposed nomination ratified at the union’s National Delegate Conference held in Abuja on Friday.
Speaking at the event, Osifo reflected on the rising economic hardship faced by Nigerian workers, linking it to the devaluation of the naira and growing insecurity across farming regions. He warned that worsening violence in states like Benue and Plateau was affecting food production and contributing to soaring prices.
“Many farmers have abandoned their fields for fear of attacks, especially in states that serve as the nation’s food basket,” Osifo said. “Without food security, economic stability is impossible.”
He also raised alarm over the increasing number of out-of-school children, which he believes poses a threat to national development and feeds the growing wave of child labour. The TUC president urged federal, state, and local governments to collaborate on creating sustainable education and employment systems.
Meanwhile, the International Labour Organisation (ILO) called for resilience from the labour centre, noting that workers may face more challenging times ahead. Vanessa Phala, ILO’s country director for Nigeria, Ghana, and Sierra Leone, acknowledged the TUC’s efforts and pledged continued support.
“We’ve seen your efforts in championing workers’ rights, and while the road ahead may be rougher, the ILO stands ready to assist,” Phala said. She also stressed that enforcing the new minimum wage, not just negotiating it, must now be a top priority.
Also addressing delegates, President Bola Tinubu, represented by Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, encouraged trade unions to uphold fairness and credibility in choosing their leaders. He reiterated the government’s commitment to labour reforms and urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue in resolving disputes.
Tinubu said, “We must equip workers for the digital era while ensuring fairness and equity. Transparency in union leadership is essential to advancing this vision.”
The conference, themed “The Future of Work: Ensuring Fair Labour Practices and Economic Justice in a Digital Era,” brought together union delegates and labour stakeholders to reflect on the evolving challenges of Nigeria’s workforce.