The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria, (TUC), yesterday, opposed the plans by the Federal Government to toll selected federal roads in the country, as a means of revenue generation.

The TUC also kicked against any attempt to increase telecom tariff, saying it will compound the present economic hardship Nigerians are going through.

President of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, while presiding over the 1st Quarter 2025 National Administrative Council (NAC) of the Union in Abuja, yesterday, condemned the proposed reintroduction of toll gates on some federal highways without first of all ensuring that the roads are in good condition.

Osifo, who blamed the hardship in the country as a result of the government policies like the flotation of the naira, wondered why the Federal Government should initiate policies bothering on the citizens without due consultations with relevant stakeholders.

He said its is annoying that most of the roads which are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes should be open for collecting tolls.

A communique issued at the end of the meeting partly read: “NAC deliberated on the proposed introduction of toll gates on selected federal roads and strongly condemned it in its entirely. While we acknowledge that tolling is a globally recognized method of generating revenue for road maintenance, it is unacceptable to impose tolls on roads that are unpaved, dilapidated, and riddled with potholes.

“The NAC views this as an insult to Nigerians, who are being asked to pay tolls on roads that are in total disrepair. Our highways are death traps unsafe, abandoned, and filled with potholes. Rather than fulfilling its responsibility to fix and maintain these roads, the government is resorting to shameless extortion.

“The Congress, therefore, demands that all roads earmarked for tolling must first be fixed, properly tarred, and repaired to international standards before any discussion on tolling can be entertained”.

Although the Federal Government recently debunked plans to increase electricity tariff by 65 percent, TUC said it was  alarming that the government even considered the hike in the first instance.

Osifo lamented that the previous increment already inflicted severe hardship on citizens.

He said, “This proposed increase is not only ill-timed but also a deliberate act of economic oppression against Nigerians, who are already struggling under unbearable economic conditions.

“The improved service quality promised during the last tariff hike, particularly for consumers under the so-called “Band A” category, has not been realized. Most consumers, regardless of their tariff band, continue to live in perpetual darkness”.

TUC observed that the root cause of escalating prices and galloping inflation was the devaluation of the Naira.

Going down memory lane, Osifo said in February 2024, the TUC addressed a world press conference, where it clearly stated that the excessive devaluation of the naira was the primary cause of rising inflation and the continuous increase in the prices of goods and services.

He said Congress also warned that this trend would worsen inflation in 2024, impacting virtually every sector of the economy and severely affecting the social and economic well-being of Nigerian workers and the masses if the solutions it canvassed were not adopted.

The TUC President said 12 months later, the Congress position remained unchanged, alleging that the symptoms of the root cause have manifested clearly.

According to him: “These include the skyrocketing prices of essential goods, the escalating costs of social services, the proposed hike in telecom tariffs, the increase in electricity tariffs (with plans for further increments), the rising prices of petroleum products amongst others.

“The TUC remains focused on addressing the root cause of these economic challenges rather than merely reacting to the manifested symptoms. To this end, the TUC demands a better foreign exchange (FX) management regime from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the naira is currently undervalued, as confirmed by both local and international experts.”

He warned that if the policies were not reviewed to favour the citizens, the TUC may be compelled to mobilise for mass protest.

“The NAC, on behalf of the Congress, strongly advises the government to refrain from introducing policies that would further exacerbate the current economic hardship faced by hardworking Nigerians.

“If the administration insists on implementing these policies, the TUC will have no choice but to mobilize the working class, civil society, and the oppressed masses for a nationwide action. This level of exploitation is unacceptable. A stitch in time saves nine,” he warned.

The Rivers State Government has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to providing quality healthcare that is accessible to the Rivers people.

 Governor Siminalayi Fubara stated this during the flag-off of the renovation and upgrading of 135 Primary Healthcare facilities in 135 Wards across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State, last Friday.

 Represented by his Deputy, Prof. Ngozi Odu, Governor Fubara said his administration was doing everything possible to ensure that healthcare delivery would be accessed even in the most remote communities, by facilitating this unprecedented State-wide renovation of Primary Healthcare Centres.

“This is to increase geographical access to quality basic healthcare services and reduce maternal Infant and child mortality and prevalence of non-communicable diseases and other preventable illnesses in Rivers State”, the Governor stressed.

The State Chief Executive expressed gratitude to World Bank and the Federal Ministry of Finance, through the Immunization Plus and Malaria Progress, by Accelerating Coverage and Transforming Services (IMPACT) Project and National Primary Healthcare Development Agency.

 According to him “We collectively strive towards the reduction of maternal, infant and child mortality and tackling Non-Communicable Diseases, thereby accelerating economic growth and development in the State”.

In her remarks, the State Commissioner for Health, Dr Adaeze Oreh, stated that it was fitting for the Governor to have delegated the Deputy Governor to represent him and flag-off the revitalization and re-equipping of 135 Primary Healthcare Centres across the 23 Local Government Areas of the State.

 She extolled the Deputy Governor’s drive, passion, and commitment to steering the State’s Primary Healthcare Task Force, which had led to significant transformation.

 Dr. Oreh expressed gratitude to Governor Fubara for his leadership and dedication, which had contributed to the transformation of the State’s healthcare system.

 Also speaking, the Chairman of the Rivers State Primary Healthcare Management   Board, Prof. Blessing Jaja, said that the revitalization of the Healthcare Centres would lead to a significant modernization of the facilities, ultimately improving the overall Healthcare system of the State.

Rivers State Governor, Sir Siminalayi Fubara, has declared that he will not be drunk with power or allow the associated advantages and benefits that come with holding a lofty position in government to change him.

Rather, the governor assured that he will remain committed to his vows made to Rivers people when he got their mandate, to completely put things in place that will transform the State to become what they dreamt it to become.

Governor Fubara made the remark when some leaders, elders and critical stakeholders of the State paid him a birthday visit to celebrate him as he attains 50 years at Government House in Port Harcourt on Tuesday morning.

The governor, according to a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Nelson Chukwudi, explained that he had never subscribed to celebrating  birthdays but seeing leaders of the State gather to celebrate him pulled out tears of joy from his eyes.

Governor Fubara said: “I want to say that I will still be the Fubara that you know; power will not change me. I will still make sure that what I hold dear in life remains, which is God and my respect for people. I will continue to maintain it.

“Power will come, power will go, but I will still remain the Fubara that you know. With your support, that Rivers State that we all yearn for, we will definitely, even if we don’t get it completely, we will put those things in place that will channel and drive us to that Rivers State with your support.”

Governor Fubara emphasised: “That is the only thing that I know I can assure you. I will not do anything, act in any manner that will bring disgrace to myself or to everyone of you that have decided and ready to sacrifice everything for us.

“This morning is a birthday morning. It is not a morning to discuss politics. It is a morning to say I am happy, I am 50 years, according to you. But the most important thing is: I am celebrating my Golden Jubilee. It means that I have joined the league of the old men from today.”

Fubara, on behalf of his wife, Lady Valerie and family, expressed gratitude to God for divine grace, and thanked all the leaders who made sacrifices to be in attendance so early to wish him well.

In his remark, former Governor of Rivers State, Sir Celestine Omehia, thanked God for installing Governor Fubara, who has become a deliverer of the State and its people from the hands of those bent on destroying Rivers State.

He said, it is, therefore, worthwhile to celebrate such a patient and meticulous leader, loved by all Nigerians on his 50th birthday because he has continued to prioritise the interest of the State and protect it.

The former Governor recounted the strength of faith in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, enjoyed divine direction in governance, and pledged the continued support of  Rivers people to ensure the success of his administration.

In his speech, former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus, said regardless of who a kingmaker is, as soon as the king is crowned, such person must give way to the king to perform his duties but regretted that

the immediate past Governor, who styled himself as kingmaker had continued to do things to distract the king.

But Prince Secondus, noted that amidst the brewing crisis, Rivers people, and indeed, Nigerians have come to admire and love the character of steel, fear and total trust in God that Governor Fubara has demonstrated, including forging unity, and inclusivity, which are evidence of his mandate as divine.

Highlights of the event were prayers by the clergy for the Governor, his administration and the State; a toast; the cutting of the 50th Birthday cake by the Governor, who was supported by his wife; presentation of gifts to the Governor; rendition of special birthday songs; and a special birthday party organised by the elders and stakeholders to celebrate the Liberator of Rivers people at 50.

Later in the morning, members of the State Executive Council; Local Government Council chairmen; Permanent Secretaries; Government House staff; Service Commanders; and many others visited the Governor to wish him a glorious birthday, and presented gifts to celebrate his Golden Jubilee birthday.