The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has warned that it will call a nationwide strike if the Federal Government proceeds with plans to impose a five percent tax on petroleum products.
In a statement signed on Monday by its president, Festus Osifo, and general secretary, Nuhu Toro, the union described the proposal as “economic wickedness,” coming at a time when Nigerians are grappling with subsidy removal, record fuel prices, rising 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,” the union said, urging the government to abandon the plan immediately.
The TUC directed its state councils and affiliates to remain on standby for “decisive action,” and called on civil society groups, professional bodies, student unions, religious leaders, and market associations to join in resisting what it labelled an unjust economic policy.
“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy,” the union declared.
In a separate statement, the TUC also condemned alleged anti-labour practices at Dangote Group companies, accusing the conglomerate of intimidation, harassment, and denying workers the right to unionise.
“We will not fold our arms while Dangote treats Nigerian workers as slaves in their own country,” it said, warning that solidarity action with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and other affiliates could follow if the complaints of PENGASSAN and NUPENG are not addressed.
“This is not an appeal. It is a final warning. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement added.
