TUC rejects 5% tax on petroleum products, threatens nationwide strike

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s planned introduction of a 5% tax on petroleum products, warning that the policy would worsen hardship, cripple businesses, and push millions of Nigerians deeper into poverty.

In a statement issued on Monday by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the union described the proposed levy as “economic wickedness” against already struggling citizens.

“Workers and ordinary Nigerians are still grappling with the pains of subsidy removal, soaring fuel prices, food inflation, and a weakening naira.

“Introducing another tax on petroleum products at this time is a deliberate attempt to compound suffering and further squeeze citizens dry.

“This is unacceptable,” the statement read.

The TUC noted that the government should be offering relief measures, job opportunities, and genuine economic solutions instead of imposing additional burdens on the populace.

It vowed to resist the policy and warned that failure to withdraw it could trigger a nationwide strike.

“The TUC hereby urges the Federal Government to halt this anti-people policy immediately.

If the government goes ahead, we will have no choice but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance. Strike action is firmly on the table,” the union warned.

It also directed all its state councils, affiliates, and structures to remain on alert for further instructions that may culminate in decisive action.

The Congress further called on civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to join in rejecting the policy.

The Federal Government, under President Bola Tinubu, had recently signed into law a 5% surcharge on petrol and diesel sales as part of the Nigeria Tax Administration Act.

The levy applies to all locally refined and imported fossil fuel products but exempts renewables, household kerosene, cooking gas, and compressed natural gas (CNG).