56% of Nigerians are living below poverty line — TUC President

President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Festus Osifo, has said that no fewer than 56 per cent of Nigerians are living below the poverty line.

Decrying the worsening economic hardship facing our nation, Osifo explained that millions of Nigerians were going through untold suffering, exacerbated by the lack of adequate social protection.

The TUC President, while delivering his speech during the 1st Quadrennial Delegates Conference of the Lagos State Council on Wednesday, urged that government
to take urgent and concrete steps to alleviate the burden of the masses.

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Osifo, who was represented by the Acting Secretary General of TUC, Mrs Olawunmi Jimoh, said: “The realities around us are grim: runaway inflation, widespread food insecurity, unaffordable education, epileptic power supply, a weakened agricultural system, and a culture of unsustainable borrowing.

“These are not just policy failures; they are symptoms of a system that has failed its people.

“As a responsible and progressive labour center, we must rise to the occasion, speak truth to power, and take decisive action when necessary.”

The labour leader pointed out that the union was alarmed by recent legislative moves aimed at removing labour from the Exclusive Legislative List and transferring it to the Concurrent List, describing the move as anti-worker, retrogressive, and a direct threat to the unity and strength of the Nigerian labour movement.

“Let me state unequivocally: this proposed amendment is anti-worker, retrogressive, and a direct threat to the unity and strength of the Nigerian labour movement,” he said.

He said that TUC strongly and categorically rejects the dangerous bill and would resist it with every lawful means at the union’s disposal.

Accordingly, he said that all state councils of union have been placed on red alert and should be prepared to act promptly upon receiving directives from the national headquarters.

“We must defend the hard-won rights of Nigerian workers without hesitation, he said, urging the Lagos State Council and all state chapters not to hesitate in escalating unresolved industrial issues to the national secretariat.

“Where local mechanisms fall short, we shall intervene as a united front, employing robust engagement and determined advocacy to deliver justice and protect the welfare of workers,” Osifo said.

He described the TUC, Lagos Council’s conference as not merely about electing new leaders, but “a time for deep reflection, stocktaking, and strategic repositioning.

“It is an opportunity to assess our journey so far, consolidate our strengths, address our weaknesses, and chart a purposeful path for the future,” he said.

The TUC President sincerely commended the outgoing executive committee of the Lagos State Council for the leadership, commitment, and sacrifices they have made over the years, adding that their stewardship has kept the council vibrant and responsible.

“Your efforts are duly recognised and appreciated. Ultimately, however, your performance will be judged by the delegates and members you have served,” he said.

To the incoming executive committee, he said: “I extend my congratulations in advance. I pray that your tenure will be marked by renewed energy, unwavering dedication, and impactful service.

“To all aspirants contesting various positions today, I remind you that leadership is a sacred responsibility. Let us approach this process with maturity, decorum, and unity of purpose. In every election, there will be winners and others who must accept the outcome with grace.”

Chairman, TUC, Lagos Council, Comrade Gbenga Ekundayo, seized the occasion to highlight some of the achievements of his tenure, while awards of recognition were given to individuals for their exemplary services to the union.

Ekundayo said that in the past three years, the relationship of the union with the government had been robust.

“It’s been good because I can say that even when there is no response to letters, there is no letter that we’ve written, particularly to the office of the governor, that has not been addressed, whether directly or indirectly.

“So, we’ve had a good working relationship with the state. Not that we agree all the time, but even when we have disagreements, we always come with an open mind to discuss and find what works.“