TUC Issues Ultimatum to FG: Withdraw 5% Petroleum Tax or Face Strike

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has given the Federal Government a stern warning to immediately withdraw its proposed 5% tax on petroleum products or face a total nationwide strike.

The union demanded the government abandon “this anti-people’s plan in its entirety,” warning that failure to do so would result in a “nationwide resistance.”

“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,” the union cautioned.

In a strongly-worded statement signed by its President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N.A. Toro, the TUC condemned the planned levy as a “reckless proposal” and “nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.”

It accused the government of using citizens as “sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments.” The union declared that the policy would exacerbate the current economic hardship, cripple businesses, and push millions further into poverty.

“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 TUC stated.

It further emphasized: “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!”

TUC has directed all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain on high alert and prepare for potential decisive action.

It also called on “allies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stand in solidarity,” adding that Nigerians must resist policies that seek to further impoverish citizens and mortgage the country’s future.