By Peter Onyekachukwu 
By Peter Onyekachukwu
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has warned that the Federal Government’s proposed 5% tax on petroleum products will worsen hardship for millions of Nigerians already struggling with high fuel prices and inflation.
TUC leaders, Festus Osifo and Nuhu Toro, in a joint statement on Monday, described the plan as “reckless and anti-people,” insisting that it will drive up costs of goods, cripple small businesses, and push more families into poverty.
“Nigerians are still battling with the pains of subsidy removal, soaring petrol prices, food inflation, and a collapsing naira. Adding another levy on petroleum products will only compound their suffering,” the statement read.
The union has given government 14 days to withdraw the proposal or risk a nationwide strike that could shut down critical sectors of the economy.
TUC said all its affiliates and state councils are on alert while also calling on civil society groups, student unions, market associations, and religious leaders to unite against what it described as “economic wickedness.”
“This government cannot continue to use citizens as sacrificial lambs for failed economic experiments. Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve relief, not endless punishment,” the statement added.
The Federal Government has not yet responded to the warning, but the ultimatum has heightened concerns over another round of nationwide protests and disruptions.