The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued an urgent red alert to all its affiliated unions amid escalating tensions between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum, Natural Gas Workers Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
PENGASSAN accused the refinery of illegally dismissing over 800 Nigerian workers, prompting nationwide industrial action. On Monday, union members barricaded the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) premises in Abuja as part of their protest.
NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned the refinery’s actions, describing them as violations of Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
“The Dangote Group has operated as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution and ILO Conventions 87 and 98, treating national labour laws with contempt,” Ajaero said.
He called the dispute a symptom of deeper “union-busting and worker exploitation” practices by the conglomerate.
The NLC has called for:
- Immediate full mobilization of all unions and workers to prepare for widespread unionisation across all Dangote facilities.
- A coordinated national campaign against Dangote’s anti-labour stance demanding respect for workers’ rights to unionize.
- An end to intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities.
- Compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions.
All unions are to establish Action Mobilisation Committees and liaise with the NLC Secretariat within 72 hours to coordinate efforts.
“Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable,” the statement concluded.
