The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has condemned the President Bola Tinubu-led Federal Government’s proposed 5 percent levy on petroleum products, labeling it a “reckless act of economic wickedness.”
The government had defended the controversial plan, explaining that the revenue would be directed toward funding road projects and addressing infrastructure challenges.
Taiwo Oyedele, who chairs the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, noted that similar taxes are imposed at even higher rates in more than 150 countries.
Despite this, the TUC has given the government two weeks to withdraw the policy or risk a shutdown of key sectors.
In a joint statement signed by its President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the union stressed that Nigerians are already weighed down by multiple taxes.
The labour leaders, rejecting the proposal outright, insisted citizens cannot continue to be used as “sacrificial lambs,” adding that all affiliate unions are on alert.
They stated: “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 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.”
Reiterating its readiness for action, the union warned that a nationwide strike remains an option if the government insists on implementing the policy.
The statement continued: “Accordingly, the TUC directs all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain vigilant, watchful and wait for further communication that may cumulate into a decisive action should government dare to further ignore the collective will of the people.
“We also call on our allies, civil society organizations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stand in solidarity with us in this struggle.
“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.”