5% petroleum tax: TUC threatens nationwide strike

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The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to withdraw its proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products.

Mr Festus Osifo, TUC President General, said this in a statement he jointly signed with Mr Nuhu Toro, General Secretary of the union on Monday in Abuja.

TUC described the policy as “economic wickedness” against already overburdened citizens battling subsidy removal, soaring fuel prices, food inflation, and a weakening naira.

“To now introduce another levy is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty.

“Nigerians cannot continue to be used as sacrificial lambs for economic experiments and the tax proposal is anti-people, unacceptable,” the union said.

It added that the failure to do so would leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerians and the masses for a total nationwide resistance.

“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” it said.

The TUC further directed all state councils, affiliates, and structures to remain vigilant and await further communication that could culminate in decisive action. Nation