By John Umeh
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government over its plan to reintroduce a 5% consumption tax on petroleum products, describing the move as “an act of economic cruelty” against Nigerians already struggling with harsh living conditions.
The government recently announced its intention to reapply the fuel levy at a date to be disclosed by the Minister of Finance. According to the Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, Taiwo Oyedele, revenue from the tax is expected to fund road infrastructure and reduce Nigeria’s widening infrastructure deficit.
But in a strongly worded statement signed on September 8 by TUC President Festus Osifo and General Secretary Nuhu Toro, the union rejected the proposal and gave the government 14 days to withdraw it or face crippling nationwide industrial action.
The TUC argued that Nigerians were already bearing the weight of subsidy removal, escalating fuel prices, food inflation, and a weakening naira. Introducing yet another levy on petroleum, it said, would only deepen poverty, cripple small businesses, and worsen the country’s economic crisis.
“Workers and ordinary citizens are not sacrificial lambs for government’s endless economic experiments,” the statement read. “Instead of providing relief and creating jobs, the government is bent on squeezing Nigerians further. This will not be tolerated.”
The labour body directed its affiliates across the country to remain on alert, while urging civil society groups, student unions, religious leaders, market associations, and other stakeholders to unite in resistance against what it termed an “anti-people policy.”
The TUC concluded by warning that if the government proceeds with the tax, a nationwide strike and mass protest would be unavoidable, declaring: “Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not perpetual punishment.”
