The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly opposed the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a five per cent tax on petroleum products, describing the move as a “reckless proposal” and “an act of economic wickedness” against citizens already weighed down by rising costs of living.
In a statement issued on Monday and signed by its President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the union warned that the policy, if implemented, would worsen hardship, cripple businesses, and plunge millions of Nigerians further into poverty.
“Workers and citizens are still reeling from the pains of subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira. To now introduce another levy on petroleum products is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty,” the statement read.
The labour body accused the government of treating Nigerians as “sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments” instead of providing relief, jobs, and meaningful solutions to current challenges.
The TUC demanded an immediate halt to what it termed an “anti-people’s plan” and threatened to mobilise for nationwide resistance if the government proceeded with the policy.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance. Strike action is firmly on the table if the government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” the union declared.
It further directed its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain on alert and prepare for possible action, while urging civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, and faith leaders to stand in solidarity with workers.
“We must resist policies that seek to further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future. Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” the statement concluded.
