TUC urges agriculture boost, revenue diversification to tackle Nigeria’s infrastructure deficit
By Faridat Salifu
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has called on political leaders to expand the country’s revenue sources, warning that overdependence on oil was undermining infrastructure development.
Speaking at the second edition of the TUC South-West Summit 2025 in Lagos on Monday, TUC President-General Festus Osifo, said the chronic underfunding of projects such as federal roads was due to weak economic diversification.
He cited a 2013 study that put the cost of constructing all federal roads at $120bn, about four times Nigeria’s current $30bn to $35bn annual budget.
Osifo said oil earnings alone could not sustain the country’s needs in salaries, education, healthcare, defence, and infrastructure.
He compared Nigeria unfavourably to smaller nations with fewer natural resources that generate more income from agriculture than Nigeria earns from oil exports.
The TUC president urged state and local government leaders to abandon a “monthly allocation” mindset and actively develop sectors such as agriculture and solid minerals.
He frowned at the neglect of vast arable land and human capital despite global shifts away from oil dependence.
Representing Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, Commissioner for Establishments and Training, Afolabi Ayantayo, called for stronger partnerships between government and organised labour.
He said Nigeria’s diplomatic missions abroad should be used to secure export markets for agricultural produce and manufactured goods.
The summit, themed: “Collaborate to Transform: Building Capacity for Regional Excellence and Workers’ Welfare,” also discussed strategies for boosting productivity and addressing inflation.
Osifo maintained that only bold, innovative, and resourceful leadership could bridge Nigeria’s infrastructure gap and unlock economic potential.
