NLC declares war on Dangote, orders nationwide mobilisation of workers

By Kazeem Ugbodaga

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a nationwide red alert to its affiliates as the standoff between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) deepens.

The crisis stems from PENGASSAN’s accusation that the refinery arbitrarily dismissed more than 800 Nigerian workers for joining the union.

On Monday, union members carried out a directive of their national executive committee by barricading the Abuja headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), signalling the beginning of a nationwide industrial action.

In a strongly worded statement, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused the Dangote Group of “gross impunity and union-busting,” warning that its actions represent a direct assault on workers’ rights and Nigeria’s labour laws.

“The Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt,” Ajaero said.

“Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.”

He declared that the period of “fruitless dialogue” was over, insisting that organised labour was now preparing for a full-scale confrontation.

“We have resolved to mobilise all unions and workers for vigorous unionisation across every Dangote facility. Each affiliate union is to set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise with the NLC Secretariat within 72 hours,” Ajaero stated.

The NLC listed its immediate demands, including unconditional respect for workers’ rights to unionise, an end to all intimidation and victimisation, and full compliance with national labour laws.

Ajaero said the Group’s alleged impunity could no longer be tolerated: “The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour. The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built this conglomerate; we will not let it become a monument to their oppression.”

The warning marks an escalation in tensions, raising the prospect of a major nationwide strike if the refinery and its parent conglomerate fail to engage with labour leaders in the coming days.