Sign in Subscribe
Cabinet officials

Nigeria Labour Unions Embark on Nationwide Strike over 5% Fuel Tax and Labour Rights Disputes

Strategic Insights

— 2 min read

As the Federal Government continues to implement its 5% fuel tax policy, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has given the government a 14-day ultimatum to withdraw the proposal, failing which the labour unions will embark on a nationwide strike. The move comes as the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and other labour unions continue to protest against the Dangote Group over issues of unionization, intimidation, and humiliation of workers. The stalemate between the government and labour unions has resulted in a series of meetings and protests, with no clear resolution in sight.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has given the Federal Government a 14-day ultimatum to withdraw the 5% fuel tax proposal, or face a nationwide strike.
  • The NUPENG and other labour unions are protesting against the Dangote Group over issues of unionization, intimidation, and humiliation of workers.
  • The Dangote Group has been accused of using anti-labour practices, intimidating, and humiliating workers under its employ.
  • The TUC has threatened to take solidarity action against any employer who violates the rights of workers, and has vowed to stand shoulder-to-shoulder with its sister labour center, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), in this fight.
  • The Dangote Group has been urged to address the complaints raised by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and NUPENG, and to recognize and respect the rights of workers to unionise.
  • Failure to comply with the TUC's demands will attract total solidarity action from the congress and its affiliates across the federation.
  • The 5% fuel tax policy is intended to fund road infrastructure maintenance through the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency (FERMA), but the TUC has described it as a reckless proposal and an act of economic wickedness against already overburdened Nigerians.

Statistics:

  • 5%: The proposed fuel tax rate introduced by the Federal Government.
  • 14 days: The time frame given to the Federal Government by the TUC to withdraw the 5% fuel tax proposal.
  • 4000 trucks: The number of trucks owned by the Dangote Group, which are used to distribute fuel across the country.
  • 2025: The year in which the Nigeria Tax Administration Act was signed into law by President Bola Tinubu.
  • 11p.m: The time at which the stakeholders meeting between the labour unions and the Federal Government ended in stalemate.

Sources:

  • Comrade Festus Osifo, TUC President General and Dr. Nuhu Toro, Secretary General, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC).
  • Comrade Benson Upah, Head of Information at the Nigeria Labour Congress.
  • Sayyu Dantata, Representative of the Dangote Group.
  • Muhammad Dingyadi, Minister of Labour and Employment.
  • Nkiruka OnyeAjiocha, Minister of State for Labour and Employment.
  • President Bola Tinubu, President of Nigeria.

Read more