PERESSA Warns Against Fuel Tax, Decries Anti-Poor Policies at Abeokuta Conference
Labour leaders and activists, under the Precision, Electrical and Related Equipment Senior Staff Association (PERESSA), have raised strong concerns over federal government policies, which they described as anti-poor and damaging to workers’ welfare.
At the association’s 1st Quadrennial and 9th National Delegates Conference held in Abeokuta, Ogun State, delegates pointed to inflation, unemployment, and the high cost of living as threats to household survival, national productivity, and stability. They argued that rising electricity tariffs have made power unaffordable for homes and industries, forcing many small businesses into collapse.
The re-elected PERESSA President, Rufus Olusesan, condemned plans for a 5 per cent fuel tax contained in the Nigeria Tax Administration Act 2025, warning it would deepen the survival crisis for millions of Nigerians already grappling with pump prices approaching N1,000 per litre. He also faulted the N70,000 minimum wage, stressing that inflation and naira devaluation had rendered it inadequate.
The union reiterated its rejection of the National Industrial Relations Policy (NIRP) 2025, describing it as a move to suppress union activities, weaken the right to strike, and entrench poverty wages.
Nigeria Labour Congress Deputy General Secretary, Ismail Bello, added that the labour movement must remain united against employers who undermine workers’ rights to freedom of association.
The conference concluded with a call for stronger resistance against anti-labour policies and renewed demands for fair wages, affordable electricity, and sustainable economic policies that protect workers and households.
Comments
This post currently has no comments.