The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a formal call for the federal government to maintain current food import strategies while accelerating the establishment of state-level police forces. During a media briefing in Abuja, TUC President Festus Osifo stressed that immediate efforts must be directed toward stabilizing the naira, suggesting an exchange rate target of 900 to 1,000 naira per dollar to alleviate the financial burden on citizens.
Osifo emphasized that the current reliance on food imports is a temporary necessity caused by widespread insecurity preventing farmers from accessing their land. He argued that price stability for staples like rice depends on creating a safe environment for domestic agriculture. Regarding the economy, the TUC leader noted that while macroeconomic indicators are showing signs of stability, the benefits have failed to reach the average worker. He urged the Central Bank of Nigeria to intervene further, stating that the currency remains undervalued.
Addressing the security crisis, Osifo advocated for the immediate passage of legislation to permit state police, dismissing concerns regarding political misuse. He insisted that national security must be prioritized with wartime urgency, utilizing enhanced technology and resources. Furthermore, the union extended its full support to aviation and hotel employees engaged in industrial action against management practices that obstruct collective bargaining.
On energy policy, the TUC cautioned against the total sale of state-owned refineries. Instead, Osifo recommended adopting a commercial model similar to the Nigeria LNG structure, which favors a majority private stake to ensure operational efficiency. The union also praised recent law enforcement efforts against criminal groups while calling for consistent legal prosecution to serve as a deterrent.
