In a press statement released today, TUC President Festus Osifo condemned the comments as an affront to the dignity of the labor force, which he said has been instrumental in building Nigeria’s industrial backbone, including the Dangote Group’s own empire.

The controversy erupted last week at the Lagos Business Summit, where Dangote, Africa’s richest man and founder of the Dangote Cement conglomerate, reportedly likened underpaid workers to “lazy appendages” that hinder productivity, sparking widespread outrage on social media and among labor circles. 

Osifo, speaking on behalf of the TUC’s over 50 affiliated unions, accused Dangote of hypocrisy, pointing to ongoing disputes over wages and working conditions at Dangote’s refineries and factories, where employees have protested exploitative practices amid rising inflation.

“We will not tolerate such arrogance from those who owe their success to the sweat and sacrifices of ordinary Nigerians,” Osifo declared in the statement. 

“Dangote must retract his words and issue a sincere public apology within 48 hours, or face coordinated industrial actions that could disrupt his operations nationwide.” 

The TUC has mobilized its members for potential strikes, echoing similar demands from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), which has expressed solidarity.

Dangote’s media team has yet to respond to the ultimatum, but sources close to the tycoon suggest he may address the issue in a forthcoming statement. 

This development comes at a sensitive time for Nigeria’s economy, as the country grapples with fuel subsidy removal fallout and a cost-of-living crisis, making labor relations a powder keg.