The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has condemned the Federal Government’s proposed 5% tax on petroleum products, describing it as “a reckless act of economic wickedness” against struggling Nigerians.

The Federal Government has defended the plan, insisting that the surcharge would provide steady funding for road projects and help bridge the country’s infrastructure gap. Taiwo Oyedele, Chairman of the Presidential Committee on Fiscal Policy and Tax Reforms, noted that similar measures already exist in more than 150 countries.

However, in a joint statement signed by TUC President Festus Osifo and Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, the union rejected the policy outright and gave the government a 14-day ultimatum to withdraw it. The labour leaders warned that they would shut down critical sectors if the plan proceeds.

“This reckless proposal is nothing but an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians,” the statement read. “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 deeper into poverty.”

The TUC stressed that Nigerians “cannot continue to be used as sacrificial lambs for economic experiments” and demanded that the policy be halted immediately. It also placed all affiliates on standby for possible industrial action.

“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning,” the statement continued, as the union urged civil society groups, professional bodies, student unions, market associations, and faith leaders to join the resistance.

“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,” the labour leaders declared.