TUC threatens strike over new petroleum tax
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has labeled the Federal Government’s proposed 5% tax on petroleum products a “reckless proposal,” calling it “nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.”
In a statement signed by its President General, Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, N. A. Toro, the union warned that implementing the tax would “compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty.”
The TUC argued that the government should not continue to use Nigerians as “sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments.”
“Let it be clear: workers and citizens are still reeling from the pains of subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira,” the statement read.
“To now introduce another levy on petroleum products is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty. The government cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, it has chosen to further squeeze citizens dry. This is unacceptable!”
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The TUC demanded that the government abandon this “anti-people’s plan” entirely, threatening to mobilise workers and the masses for a “total nationwide resistance” if its demand is not met. The union warned that “strike action is firmly on the table if the government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy.”
The TUC has instructed its state councils, affiliates, and structures to remain vigilant for further communication. The union also called on civil society organisations, professional bodies, and other groups to “stand in solidarity with us in this struggle.”
“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 concluded.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian government is seeking to expand its tax base, with the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms Chairman, Taiwo Oyedele, stating that new tax laws will track evaders using bank accounts, National Identity Numbers (NIN), and phone numbers. Oyedele noted that the government aims to generate ₦50 trillion from the new laws to compensate for dwindling oil revenues.
“As long as you are captured through banking, National Identity Number (NIN), bank information, and phone number, you cannot evade tax again in Nigeria once you’re eligible,” Oyedele said.
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