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.
After reports of the fuel tax emerged, the Federal Government had said it was intended to provide steady funding for road projects and close the country’s infrastructure gaps.
According to Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, the measure is being implemented at a higher rate in over 150 countries.
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 the 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.