The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike if the Federal Government fails to withdraw its proposed five per cent tax on petroleum products.

TUC President-General, Festus Osifo, and General Secretary, Nuhu Toro, issued the warning in a statement released on Monday in Abuja.

Describing the policy as “economic wickedness” against already overburdened citizens, the union noted that Nigerians are still grappling with the removal of fuel subsidies, soaring pump prices, food inflation, and a weakening naira.

“To now introduce another levy is to deliberately compound suffering, cripple businesses, and push millions deeper into poverty. Nigerians cannot continue to be used as sacrificial lambs for economic experiments. The tax proposal is anti-people and unacceptable,” the statement said.

The TUC urged the government to drop the plan entirely, warning that failure to do so would leave the union with no choice but to mobilise Nigerians for mass resistance.

“Strike action is firmly on the table if government dares to ignore this warning and proceed with the policy,” it added.

The union directed all state councils, affiliates, and structures to remain vigilant and await further instructions, which could lead to decisive action. It also called on civil society groups, professional bodies, student unions, faith leaders, and market associations to join in resisting what it described as an unjust economic measure.

“Enough is enough. Nigerians deserve economic justice, not endless punishment,” it declared.

In a separate statement, the TUC also condemned alleged anti-labour practices, intimidation, and harassment of workers across Dangote Group companies.

It recalled that NUPENG had accused Dangote firms of denying employees the right to unionise and subjecting them to persistent intimidation.

“We will not fold our arms while Dangote treats Nigerian workers as slaves in their own country. No employer, no matter how wealthy, will be allowed to trample on labour,” the TUC said.

The union demanded that Dangote immediately address complaints raised by both the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and NUPENG, and recognise the rights of all affected unions without conditions.

It warned that non-compliance would trigger nationwide solidarity action, with the TUC and its affiliates standing firmly with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“This is not an appeal; it is a final warning. An injury to one is an injury to all. Touch PENGASSAN, CANMPSSAN, TGTSSAN, and NUPENG, and you touch the entire labour movement,” it concluded.