*Issues 14-day ultimatum to down tools over 5% Petroleum tax
*Says policy anti-people, capable of worsening already high cost of living
*That policy will not only put unbearable pressure on Nigerians but cripple businesses
*Insists that such tax will push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty
By Michael Oche
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to embark on an industrial strike if the Federal Government goes ahead with the proposed 5% Petroleum tax, describing the policy as anti-people and capable of worsening the already dire cost of living crisis in the country.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, TUC President Festus Osifo said the move would not only put unbearable pressure on ordinary Nigerians but also cripple businesses that rely heavily on petroleum products.
He argued that introducing an additional tax on petroleum would have a ripple effect on transport costs, food prices, and electricity tariffs, further squeezing citizens already struggling with inflation.
The statement reads, “The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) out rightly rejects the Federal Government’s planned 5% tax on petroleum products. This reckless proposal is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened 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 workers organization urged the government to reverse the policy in the next 14 days or face a nationwide strike action.
Osifor said further, The TUC hereby urge the Federal Government to immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilize 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 leader urged the government to explore alternative sources of revenue, including plugging leakages in the oil sector, widening the tax net, and cutting the cost of governance, instead of imposing more taxes on petroleum products.
Labour experts warn that a nationwide strike could paralyze economic activities, especially in critical sectors such as transport, oil and gas, banking, and public services.
