The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products, calling it a “reckless proposal” and “nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.”
The union warned that enforcing such a policy would worsen hardship, devastate businesses, and plunge millions of Nigerians further into poverty.
It stressed that the Federal Government must stop using citizens as test subjects for economic experiments.
“Let it be clear: 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 government cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, it has chosen to further squeeze citizens dry. This is unacceptable!” the statement read, signed by TUC President General Festus Osifo and Secretary General N. A. Toro.
The TUC demanded an immediate halt to “this anti-people’s plan in its entirety,” and cautioned that it was prepared to mobilise workers and citizens for a “nationwide resistance” if the policy was not withdrawn.
“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 TUC declared.
The organisation further instructed all state councils, affiliates, and structures across the country to remain alert and prepared for any directive that could lead to decisive action.
“We also call on our allies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stand in solidarity with us in this struggle.
Together, 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 TUC concluded.