The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has condemned the Federal Government’s plan to introduce a five per cent tax on petroleum products, calling it a reckless move that would further impoverish Nigerians already struggling with economic hardship.
In a statement issued on Monday, September 8, by TUC President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the union said the proposed tax would worsen inflation, destroy businesses, and push more citizens into poverty.
According to the statement, “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 union accused the government of treating Nigerians as “sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments” and failing to provide meaningful solutions to the country’s challenges.
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TUC demanded that the policy be withdrawn immediately, warning that organised labour was prepared to mobilise workers and citizens for a nationwide strike if the government pressed ahead.
“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 said.
It further directed its state councils and affiliates to stay alert and await further instructions, while also urging civil society groups, student unions, professional bodies, market associations, and faith leaders to join forces in opposing the plan.
The statement concluded with a rallying call: “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.”