TUC Gives Federal Government 14-day Withdrawal Ultimatum On Planned 5% Petroleum Tax

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has rejected the planned 5 percent tax on petroleum products, giving the federal government 14-day ultimatum for its withdrawal.

The labour centre warned that failure to comply could trigger a nationwide strike.

TUC, in a statement on Monday and signed by its President General, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, described the proposed levy as “an act of economic wickedness” against Nigerians who were already grappling with the impact of subsidy removal, high fuel prices, inflation and the declining value of the 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 TUC said.

The labour body directed its affiliates, state councils, and structures nationwide to remain on alert for possible mobilisation should government fail to withdraw the plan.

It also called on civil society groups, student unions, market associations, professional bodies, and faith-based organisations to join in resisting the proposed tax, which it warned would worsen poverty and cripple businesses.
Alongside its warning to the government, the TUC also strongly cautioned 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) revealed persistent intimidation, harassment, and denial of workers’ rights within Dangote companies.

TUC said 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 made similar complaints.

It warned that the Congress and its affiliates would not hesitate to mobilise solidarity action against the company, if such practices persist.

“No employer, no matter how wealthy or powerful, will be allowed to trample on the rights and dignity of labour,” the TUC declared. “This is not an appeal. It is a final warning. An injury to one is an injury to all.”

“Failure to comply will attract total solidarity action from the congress and its affiliates across the federation as all our affiliates are fully united in this struggle. Let it be known.

“The TUC stands shoulder-to-shoulder with our sister labour centre, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in this fight to defend our affiliates and the rights of Nigerian workers everywhere.”

On the planned petroleum tax, it further stated, “The TUC hereby urge the federal government to immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety.”

It warned that a total nationwide resistance strike action was “firmly on the table” should the government failed to rescind its decision on the tax, saying that labour may be left with no option but to mobilise Nigerian workers against implementation of the policy.