The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has strongly condemned the Federal Government’s proposed 5 percent levy on petroleum products, describing it as an act of “economic wickedness” that will further impoverish Nigerians.
The government defended the plan, explaining that the revenue would be used to fund road projects and address infrastructure gaps. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, argued that similar taxes exist at even higher rates in over 150 countries.
Despite this justification, the TUC issued a two-week ultimatum for the withdrawal of the policy, warning that failure to comply could trigger a shutdown of key sectors of the economy.
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In a joint statement signed by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the union stressed that Nigerians are already overburdened by multiple taxes, subsidy removal, and rising inflation.
“This reckless proposal is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians,” the statement read. “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, cripple businesses, and push millions deeper into poverty.”
The union accused the government of treating citizens as “sacrificial lambs” in its economic experiments, instead of providing relief, jobs, and genuine solutions. It vowed that the proposal must be stopped entirely.
Reiterating its readiness to act, the TUC warned that a nationwide strike remained an option if the government presses ahead with the policy. It directed its state councils, affiliates, and structures across the country to remain vigilant and await further instructions.
The statement also called on civil society groups, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and other stakeholders to join in resisting the levy.
“Together, we must resist policies that seek to further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future. Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” the TUC declared.