The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s proposed 5 per cent tax on petroleum products, warning that failure to halt the plan could trigger nationwide industrial action.
In a statement issued by the TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, the Union described the policy as an additional burden on Nigerians, stressing that it would worsen hardship, cripple businesses, and push more citizens into poverty.
The TUC has directed all its state councils and affiliates across the country to prepare for strike action if the Federal Government ignores what it called “the collective will of the people.”
“Workers and citizens are still reeling from the pains of subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira,” Osifo said.
The Union gave the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to withdraw the plan to introduce the 5 per cent petroleum products tax.
“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance. Strike action is firmly on the table if the government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” the statement warned.
RN
