The standoff between labour unions and Africa’s biggest refinery escalated on Monday as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed its members to mobilise in support of the strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.
In a circular signed by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC ordered affiliates across the country to prepare for what it called a “decisive engagement” against what it described as the conglomerate’s anti-worker culture.
“Commence with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility under your jurisdiction,” the memo read.
Unions Accuse Dangote of Exploitation
The NLC said the grievances raised by PENGASSAN and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) reflect a deeper problem in the Dangote Group’s approach to industrial relations. It accused the company of union-busting, exploiting workers, and disregarding Nigerian labour laws and international labour conventions.
In its words, the refinery was likened to “a plantation of exploitation” where the dignity of workers is sacrificed for profit.
Talks Ongoing Amid Industrial Action
The dispute comes as PENGASSAN has already directed its members to halt crude oil and gas supply to the refinery, a move that could disrupt operations at the $20 billion project that only began fuel production this year.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, however, appealed for restraint on Monday, stressing that dialogue remains the only way forward.
The Dangote Refinery, which has been touted as Nigeria’s ticket to energy independence, now finds itself at the centre of a fierce labour storm that could test both its operations and the government’s ability to mediate.
