Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has warned of a nationwide strike should the Federal Government proceed with its proposed 5% tax on petroleum products.
In a statement issued on Monday in Abuja, TUC President General Festus Osifo and General Secretary Nuhu Toro condemned the policy as “economic wickedness” that exacerbates the struggles of Nigerians already grappling with subsidy removal, rising fuel costs, food inflation, and a devalued naira.
“This tax is a deliberate attempt to deepen the suffering of citizens, cripple businesses, and plunge millions further into poverty,” the TUC declared, labeling the proposal as “anti-people” and unacceptable. The union demanded an immediate halt to the plan, warning that failure to comply would prompt “total nationwide resistance.”
They added, “A strike is firmly on the table if the government ignores this warning and implements this policy.”
The TUC called on its state councils, affiliates, and structures to stay alert for further directives, urging civil society groups, professional bodies, student unions, faith leaders, and market associations to unite against the policy.
“Nigerians deserve economic justice, not relentless hardship,” the statement emphasized.
In a separate statement, the TUC also denounced alleged anti-labor practices at Dangote Group companies, accusing them of intimidating workers and denying their right to unionize.
“No employer, however powerful, will be permitted to treat Nigerian workers like slaves in their own nation,” the union asserted, referencing complaints from NUPENG about persistent harassment and rights violations.
The TUC demanded that Dangote address grievances raised by PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and other unions immediately, warning that non-compliance would trigger nationwide solidarity action alongside the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
“This is a final warning: an injury to one is an injury to all,” the TUC stated, reaffirming its support for affected unions.
