The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) announced its rejection of the Federal Government’s proposed five percent tax on petroleum products, labeling it a “reckless proposal” and referring to it as an act of economic injustice against Nigerians who are already burdened.
The union stated that if the government policy were implemented, it would increase suffering, devastate businesses, and drive millions of citizens further into poverty.
It asserted that the Federal Government must stop using Nigerians as sacrificial lambs in its economic experiments.
Let there be no doubt: workers and citizens are still struggling with the effects of subsidy removal, soaring fuel prices, food inflation, and a weakening naira. Introducing an additional levy on petroleum products at this time would intentionally worsen their hardships, harm businesses further, and drive millions more into poverty.
The government must stop treating Nigerians as pawns in its economic trials. Rather than providing relief, jobs, and solutions, it has elected to further burden the citizens. This is intolerable,” stated the TUC in a statement signed by President General Festus Osifo and Secretary General N.A. Toro.
The TUC called for a complete halt to “this plan that goes against the people’s interests,” cautioning that if the government did not comply, it would rally workers and the public in a “nationwide resistance.”
“If this is not addressed, we will have no choice but to rally Nigerian workers and the public for a complete nationwide protest. A strike action remains a definite possibility if the government chooses to disregard this warning and proceed with implementing the policy,” it cautioned.
The union instructed all its state councils, affiliates, and nationwide structures to stay alert and attentive while awaiting further communication that could lead to decisive action if the government continues to ignore the people’s collective will.
We urge our allies, civil society organizations, professional associations, student unions, market groups, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to join us in solidarity for this cause.
The TUC emphasized that we must collectively oppose policies designed to further impoverish citizens and jeopardize our future. Basta, Nigerian people deserve economic justice rather than perpetual hardship.
