The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a stern warning to the Federal Government, demanding the immediate withdrawal of its proposed 5% tax on petroleum products or face a nationwide strike within 14 days.
In a statement signed on September 8, 2025, by Comrade (Engr.) Festus Osifo, President General, and Comrade General N.A. Toro, Ph.D., mni(+), Secretary General, the union described the tax plan as “economic wickedness” against Nigerians already battered by subsidy removal, skyrocketing fuel prices, food inflation, and the freefall of the naira.
“Instead of offering relief, jobs, and solutions, government has chosen to further squeeze citizens dry. This is unacceptable,” the statement read.
The TUC said the new levy would cripple businesses, deepen poverty, and worsen the hardships facing workers and households nationwide. It vowed to mobilize all its affiliates, state councils, and allies across civil society, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, and faith groups for a “total nationwide resistance” should government ignore the warning.
“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to go ahead with this anti-people policy,” the union declared.
The TUC called on Nigerians to remain vigilant and stand in solidarity to resist the policy, stressing that “enough is enough.”
