Hardship: TUC demands decent jobs, fair distribution of wealth

LAGOS: The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, TUC, has called on the Federal Government, employers and other stakeholders to implement reforms that will create decent jobs, protect workers and ensure a fairer distribution of Nigeria’s wealth.

The TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, made the call at the closing ceremony of the 2026 Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, Energy and Labour Summit, PEALS.

Toro expressed concern over the economic hardship facing workers, declining purchasing power and growing insecurity in the workplace.

“We call on all stakeholders, government, employers and labour, to move beyond rhetoric and commit to actionable reforms that will entrench decent work, protect jobs and ensure fair distribution of the nation’s wealth,” the TUC said.

The Congress stressed that regulatory frameworks in the oil and gas industry must be designed to protect workers and promote equity, rather than serve corporate interests alone.

“Regulatory frameworks must not serve only corporate interests; they must equally safeguard workers, promote equity and guarantee sustainable development,” it stated.

The TUC also expressed solidarity with PENGASSAN, describing the union as its largest and most strategic affiliate, and assured its leadership and members of continued support in their struggles.

The Congress said the summit, themed “Strengthening Regulatory Frameworks as a Catalyst for Stability and Growth in Nigeria’s Oil and Gas Industry,” provided an important platform for stakeholders to address challenges confronting workers and the nation’s strategic energy sector.

According to the TUC, the need for action has become more urgent as Nigerian workers continue to bear the consequences of difficult economic policies, declining purchasing power and insecurity in the workplace.

The Congress commended PENGASSAN President and TUC President, Engr. Festus Osifo, for what it described as purposeful, courageous and impactful leadership.

It said Osifo’s stewardship had transformed both TUC and PENGASSAN into stronger, more responsive and forward-looking institutions capable of confronting emerging challenges in the world of work.

The TUC particularly praised his advocacy on economic reforms, workers’ rights in the oil and gas sector, and efforts to promote regulatory frameworks capable of guaranteeing stability and growth.

It said his leadership had strengthened the voice of Nigerian workers through strategic engagement, social dialogue and principled resistance where necessary.

The Congress also called for policies that would ensure workers benefit meaningfully from Nigeria’s natural resources, arguing that economic growth must translate into improved living standards and decent employment.

It further honoured the memory of the late PENGASSAN President, Francis Olabode Johnson, whose contributions to the labour movement, it said, continued to inspire the struggle for justice and fairness.

The TUC reaffirmed its commitment to working with PENGASSAN and other stakeholders to advance the interests of Nigerian workers, insisting that labour must remain united and resolute in the pursuit of a just economy.

It urged stakeholders to move beyond speeches and declarations and take concrete steps to address economic hardship, protect jobs and ensure that the benefits of Nigeria’s wealth are more equitably shared.