New 15% Fuel Tariff Will Hike Pump Prices, TUC Tells FG

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has cautioned that the Federal Government’s proposed 15% import duty on petrol (PMS) could further worsen the already harsh living conditions of Nigerians.

Speaking on Channels Television’s TUC Half Hour on Wednesday, TUC President Festus Osifo said the union is currently reviewing the policy and consulting with key stakeholders to understand its full implications.

Osifo criticized the move, arguing that while the government claims the tariff will encourage local refining, its immediate effect will likely be a sharp rise in fuel pump prices especially since Nigeria still imports about 70% of its petrol.

“The first impression was a no, no, no. Why are we imposing tax when our refineries are not producing?” Osifo questioned.

He pointed out that the Dangote Refinery, located in a free trade zone, already enjoys import duty exemptions. As a result, imposing a 15% import duty on other importers would only lead to higher consumer prices at the pump.

The TUC leader called for clarity from the government on whether the new tax applies only to fuel importers from abroad or also to operators within free trade zones, stressing that the policy must not create confusion or burden ordinary citizens.