The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the proposed 5 percent tax on petroleum products, giving the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to withdraw the plan.
The labour centre warned that failure to comply could trigger a nationwide strike.
Following reports of the planned fuel tax, the Federal Government explained that the measure was designed to provide sustainable funding for road projects and address the country’s infrastructure gaps.
According to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the policy aligns with global practices, as similar taxes are implemented at higher rates in over 150 countries.
In a statement released on Monday and signed by its President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, TUC described the planned levy as “an act of economic wickedness” against Nigerians already battling the effects of subsidy removal, soaring fuel prices, inflation, and the weakening naira.
“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,” the statement read.
The TUC instructed its affiliates, state councils, and nationwide structures to stay on alert for possible mobilisation if the government fails to rescind the tax proposal.
It also urged civil society groups, student unions, market associations, professional bodies, and faith-based organisations to unite in resisting the proposed tax, warning that its implementation would deepen poverty and cripple businesses.
Alongside its warning to the government, the TUC also issued a strong caution to the Dangote Group over alleged anti-labour practices.
According to the statement, reports from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) highlighted persistent intimidation, harassment, and denial of workers’ rights within Dangote companies.
TUC added that other unions, including the Chemical and Non-Metallic Products Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (CANMPSSAN) and the Textile, Garment and Tailoring Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (TGTSSAN), had also raised similar complaints.
