By Cross Udo, Abuja
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) on Monday said it has outrightly rejected the Federal Government’s planned five per cent tax on petroleum products.
The TUC, in a statement by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Dr. Nuhu Toro, Secretary-General, stated, “This reckless proposal is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.”
It further said, “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.
“To now introduce another levy on petroleum products is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions of citizens deeper into poverty.
“Government cannot continue to use Nigerians as sacrificial lambs for its economic experiments. Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, it has chosen to squeeze its citizens even further dry. This is unacceptable!
“The TUC hereby urge the Federal Government to stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety immediately. Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance. Strike action is firmly on the table if the government dares to ignore this warning and proceeds with implementing this policy.
“Accordingly, the TUC directs all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain vigilant, watchful and wait for further communication that may culminate in a decisive action should the government dare to ignore the collective will of the people further.
“We also call on our allies, civil society organisations, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, faith leaders, and all patriotic Nigerians to stand in solidarity with us in this struggle. Together, we must resist policies that seek to impoverish citizens further and mortgage our future.
“Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment.”
