TUC Kano Holds First Quadrennial Delegates Conference, Decries Economic Hardship, Prioritises Workers’ Welfare.

By, NBA

The Trade Union Congress (TUC), Kano State Council, has held its First Quadrennial Delegates Conference at the Hilton Palace Hotel, Airport Road, Kano, with a renewed call for improved workers’ welfare and urgent interventions to mitigate Nigeria’s deepening economic challenges.

In his welcome address on Monday, the Chairman of TUC Kano, Comrade Mubarak Buba Yerima, expressed appreciation to members, delegates, invited guests, and labour partners for honouring what he described as a historic gathering. He noted that the conference marks a significant milestone in strengthening democratic leadership within the union.

Speaking on the theme, “Workers’ Welfare in a Dynamic Economy: Achieving Strategic Partnership, Organizing, Decent Work in Line with Global Best Practices,” Comrade Yerima said it underscores the union’s commitment to protecting workers’ rights and wellbeing amid the prevailing economic difficulties.

Reflecting on the council’s years in office, the chairman recalled that the leadership assumed duties at a time when Nigerians were grappling with severe economic hardship, inflation, and soaring living costs. He identified the removal of the petroleum subsidy on 29 May 2023 by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu as a major turning point that worsened the economic strain on workers and households nationwide.

While acknowledging the President’s intention to address corruption and reform the petroleum sector, Yerima noted that the long-term impact of the policy on Nigerian workers and the wider economy has been profound. He described workers—especially those earning the pre-adjustment minimum wage—as the most affected group.

He stated that despite the challenges inherited by the council, the leadership quickly developed and implemented a strategic plan aimed at repositioning TUC Kano for improved efficiency. This, he said, included strengthening partnerships, reorganizing internal structures, and establishing clear action plans to advance the interests of workers across various sectors.

Comrade Yerima reaffirmed the union’s resolve to continue championing fairness, justice, equitable wages, and better working conditions for Nigerian workers, stressing that unity remains the Congress’s greatest asset.

The conference also provided an opportunity for delegates to deliberate on critical labour issues, elect new leaders, and outline a strategic roadmap for the next four years of TUC Kano’s administrative direction.