The Trade Union Congress has given the Federal Government 14 days to withdraw its planned 5% fuel tax, warning of a nationwide strike if the policy proceeds.
ABUJA – The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government to withdraw its planned five per cent tax on petroleum products, warning of a nationwide strike if the policy is implemented.
The Federal Government defended the surcharge, explaining that it is meant to provide steady funding for road projects and close Nigeria’s infrastructure gaps.
According to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, similar measures are applied in over 150 countries.
However, in a statement jointly signed by TUC President, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, the labour body described the policy as “a reckless act of economic wickedness” against already overburdened Nigerians.
“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,” the union said.
The TUC urged government to halt the plan immediately, adding that all affiliates and structures had been placed on standby.
It also called on civil society, professional bodies, and student unions to join in resisting the tax if implemented.