The Nigeria Labour Congress and Trade Union Congress have asked President Bola Tinubu to quickly reverse the suspension of Rivers State Governor Siminalayi Fubara, describing it as unconstitutional.
The labour leaders made the call on Wednesday during the 2025 Workers’ Day celebration held at Eagle Square in Abuja.
President of the NLC, Joe Ajaero, and TUC President, Festus Osifo, said the Federal Government must respect democracy and stop shrinking the civic space. They warned that continued attacks on elected officials and freedom of speech would weaken Nigeria’s democracy.
“We call on the Federal and State Governments to stop all actions that close up the civic space. We need openness and respect for democratic principles,” they said.
They also called for the immediate withdrawal of new tax bills currently before the National Assembly. According to them, these bills were prepared without input from Nigerian workers and would increase the hardship faced by ordinary citizens.
“These tax bills place more burden on workers while the rich and big corporations are not affected. That is unfair,” they said.
Labour also demanded that the Federal Government reduce the recent hike in telecommunication tariffs, suggesting a cut from the current 50% increase to 35%.
Other demands made by the unions include:
– Immediate review of workers’ salaries to reflect the rising cost of living
– Payment of all outstanding allowances, pensions, and gratuities
– Return of gratuity payments for retirees
– Review of the retirement age
– Automatic adjustment of pensions to match inflation
On national security, the unions said the government must stop the killings and rising insecurity across the country.
“The number one duty of any government is to protect the lives and property of its citizens. Enough of the bloodshed,” they said.
The unions ended their message by calling for better governance, fair policies, and full respect for the rights of Nigerian workers.
