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September 08, (THEWILL) — The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has warned of a nationwide strike if the Federal Government goes ahead with its plan to impose a five per cent tax on petroleum products.
In a statement signed on Monday by TUC President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and Secretary-General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, the union described the proposal as “economic wickedness” that would worsen the suffering of already overburdened Nigerians.
It argued that citizens and businesses were still reeling from the impact of subsidy removal, rising fuel prices, food inflation, and the depreciation of the naira, insisting that another levy would “compound hardship, cripple businesses, and push millions 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,” the statement read.
The Congress demanded that the government drop the plan immediately, warning that failure to do so would leave organised labour with no option but to mobilise workers and citizens for mass action.
“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning,” the TUC said.
It added that all its state councils, affiliates, and structures nationwide had been placed on red alert.
The union also called for solidarity from civil society groups, student unions, market associations, professional bodies, and faith-based organisations, stressing that resisting the policy must be a collective effort.
“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,” it added.
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Source: TheWillNigeria | Read the Full Story…
