By Pentho Goldmark The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its proposed five per...
By Pentho Goldmark
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its proposed five percent tax on petroleum products, threatening a nationwide strike if the plan goes ahead.
TUC President General, Festus Osifo, and General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, described the policy as “economic wickedness,” arguing that it would worsen the hardship of citizens already struggling with subsidy removals, soaring fuel costs, food inflation, and a weakening naira.
“To now introduce another levy is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions deeper into poverty,” the union said in a statement on Monday in Abuja. “Nigerians cannot continue to be used as sacrificial lambs for economic experiments. This tax proposal is anti-people and unacceptable.”
The union called on the government to scrap the plan immediately, warning that failure to do so would trigger a “total nationwide resistance.” It also directed state councils, affiliates, and other structures to remain alert and ready for action.
TUC further urged civil society groups, student unions, professional bodies, market associations, and faith leaders to join in solidarity against what it described as an unjust economic policy. “Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” the union added.
In a separate statement, TUC condemned alleged anti-labour practices and intimidation of workers in Dangote Group companies. The union said it would stand with workers of PENGASSAN and NUPENG, insisting that no employer, no matter how wealthy, would be allowed to trample on labour rights.
“This is not an appeal. It is a final warning. An injury to one is an injury to all. Touch PENGASSAN, CANMPSSAN, TGTSSAN, or NUPENG, you touch the entire labour movement,” the statement warned.
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