The President of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Comrade Festus Osifo has kicked against the federal government’s proposed 15 per cent import duty on Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) and diesel.
He warned that such a policy could further worsen the living conditions of Nigerians already struggling under rising fuel prices and inflation.
Osifo while speaking on Channels Television Wednesday said the union was currently studying the policy and consulting with stakeholders to understand its full implications.
He stated: “The first impression was a no, no, no. Why are we imposing tax when our refineries are not producing.
“The Dangote Refinery operates within a free trade zone, which means it already enjoys import duty waivers. So, if this 15 per cent duty applies to importers, they will simply transfer the cost to consumers, that’s the reality.”
Osifo explained that while the government argues that the duty would protect local refining capacity, its immediate impact could be a sharp increase in pump prices since Nigeria still imports about 70 per cent of its PMS needs.
Against this background, he called for clarity from the government on the scope and boundaries of the tax, questioning whether it would apply solely to importers of petrol from abroad or also to those operating within Nigeria’s free trade zones.
Osifo emphasised that without clear guidelines, the policy could create confusion and ultimately burden ordinary Nigerians at the pump.
The TUC President also stressed that labour and industry stakeholders must be properly consulted before such a decision takes effect.
He maintained that both the TUC and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) would issue a “defined and informed” position after assessing the policy’s details.
He noted that the union’s priority remains safeguarding workers and citizens from further economic hardship.