The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the federal government’s proposed 5 per cent levy on petroleum products, giving authorities two weeks to withdraw the plan or face the prospect of a nationwide strike.
In a statement on Monday, the TUC leadership accused the government of imposing new economic burdens on citizens already struggling with high fuel costs and inflation following the removal of subsidies. The union described the tax proposal as “anti-people” and vowed to resist its implementation.
The TUC has directed its state councils and affiliates to remain on standby for mobilisation, while appealing to student unions, professional bodies and religious groups to join the resistance.
Beyond the fuel tax, the union also issued a warning to the Dangote Group over claims of harassment and denial of workers’ rights raised by petroleum, chemical, and textile unions. It pledged that “no employer, no matter how wealthy or powerful, will be allowed to trample on the rights and dignity of labour.”
Labour leaders said they stand in solidarity with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in defending workers’ rights nationwide, adding that strike action “is firmly on the table” if the government pushes ahead with the policy.
