The Trade Union Congress has criticized the Federal Government over the rising cost of living in the country, saying this has eroded the benefits of the National Minimum Wage, which some states have yet to implement.

The congress, while admonishing government to 'avoid mortgaging the future of Nigeria' also frowned at the level of external borrowings, advising the government to harness the country's natural endowments.

National Treasurer of TUC, MOHAMMAD YUNUSA, stated this in an interview with journalists in Abuja, shortly after the Central Working Committee meeting on Saturday.

YUNUSA also noted that members of the association condemned in strong terms the spate of kidnappings and the unbridled abductions of school children, students in tertiary institutions and travelers on Nigerian roads.

Reading the communique, he jointly signed with General Secretary, AYO OLORUNFEMI, the labor leader called on the government to look for ways of improving the general welfare of the citizens and Nigerian workers.

He explained that this could be achieved through increased economic diversification, enhanced productivity and attraction of direct foreign investments into the country.