The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has rejected the Federal Government’s planned 5% tax on petroleum products.

President General of TUC, Comrade Festus Osifo, in a statement Monday, said “this reckless proposal is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians”.

He added, “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 further squeeze citizens dry. This is unacceptable!”

He however, urged the Federal Government to “immediately stop this anti-people’s plan in its entirety.

“Failure to do so will leave us with no option but to mobilize Nigerian workers and the masses for a total nationwide resistance. 

“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and go ahead to implement this policy.”

Accordingly, the TUC directed all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide to remain vigilant, watchful and wait for further communication that may cumulate into a decisive action should government dare to further ignore the collective will of the people.

“We also call on our allies, civil society organizations, 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 further impoverish citizens and mortgage our future. Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” TUC stated.