The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to urgently step in and resolve the growing dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Group.
In a statement issued on Saturday in Abuja and signed by NLC President Joe Ajaero, the Congress urged the President to compel the Dangote Group to comply with Nigerian labour laws and international labour standards.
The NLC’s statement followed NUPENG’s announcement of a planned nationwide strike starting Sunday, citing what it described as the Dangote Group’s “anti-union stance, monopolistic practices, and exploitative labour policies.”
Ajaero specifically called on President Tinubu to “immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order” and ensure they adhere to both domestic and international labour obligations.
He warned that the government must not remain passive while a few powerful individuals attempt to dominate the nation’s energy sector and mistreat workers.
“The Dangote Group has repeatedly violated workers’ rights by denying them the freedom to unionise and engage in collective bargaining,” Ajaero said.
He continued, “The NLC strongly condemns the anti-worker, anti-union, and monopolistic actions of the Dangote Group and its subsidiaries. Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be repeatedly exploited without consequences.”
The NLC also demanded the immediate unionisation of employees at Dangote Refinery and all related companies.
Ajaero stated that preparations are underway for a broader, united labour response in solidarity with NUPENG, including the possibility of a nationwide strike.
“If Dangote insists on continuing this anti-union posture, we will not hesitate to escalate our response.
“Our solidarity is absolute. We are ready to act because we must. The working class must not be sacrificed for corporate profiteering,” he added.
