TUC rejects the proposed tax 5% for petroleum products, threatening national resistance

The Nigerian Trade Union Congress (TUC) has strongly opposed the federal government’s plan to introduce a five percent tax for petroleum products, describing this step as a “careless proposal” and “economic crime” against citizens who have been burdened with an increase in living costs.

In a statement issued on Monday and signed by the President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Na Toro, the union warned that the policy, if carried out, would worsen difficulties, business that paralyzed, and plunged millions of Nigerians further into poverty.

“Workers and citizens are still staggering from the pain in the removal of subsidies, skyrocketing the price of fuel, food inflation, and the collapse. Now introducing other levies to petroleum products is deliberately exacerbating suffering, paralyzed businesses, and encouraging millions of people who are deeper into poverty,” said the statement that was read.

The Labor Agency accuses the government to treat Nigerians as “Sacrifice for Economic Experiments” instead of providing assistance, work and solutions that are meaningful for the current challenges.

TUC demands an immediate termination for what he calls “anti-person plan” and threatens to mobilize for national resistance if the government continues with the policy.

“The failure to do so will leave us without an option in addition to mobilizing Nigerian workers and the masses for total national resistance. The action strike firmly on the table if the government dares to ignore this warning and continue to implement this policy,” said the Uni.

Further directing the State Council, affiliation, and its national structure to remain vigilant and prepare possible actions, while urged civil society organizations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, and religious leaders to stand in solidarity with workers.

“We must reject policies that try to further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future. Enough is enough. Nigeria deserves economic justice, not an endless punishment,” the statement concluded.