The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has given the federal government a two-week ultimatum to shelve its proposed plan to introduce a five percent tax on petroleum products or face a nationwide industrial action.
In a statement signed by its president, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the TUC described the policy as reckless and anti-people, warning that it amounted to economic cruelty against already struggling Nigerians.
“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. 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.
The union stressed that unless the government halts the plan entirely, it would have no choice but to mobilise workers and the wider population for a nationwide resistance. It emphasised that strike action would be inevitable should the authorities ignore its warning and proceed with the policy.
The TUC also directed all its state councils, affiliates, and structures across the country to remain alert and prepared for further instructions that could lead to decisive action.
Calling for broad support, the union appealed to civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and other patriotic Nigerians to stand with it in opposing what it termed an anti-people initiative.
“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 statement concluded.
