The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliates to mobilise for a potential nationwide strike against Dangote refinery over alleged mass dismissals of workers and violations of labour laws.
The NLC, in a memo signed by its President Joe Ajaero, asked affiliate unions to “intensify unionisation campaigns in all Dangote facilities” and to “establish an action mobilisation committee and liaise with the NLC secretariat within 72 hours.”
Ajaero accused the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws, the constitution, and ILO conventions by dismissing over 800 employees who had joined PENGASSAN, and described Dangote facilities as “plantations of exploitation” where “workers’ dignity is crushed to maximise profits.”
While the federal government called for a conciliatory meeting to avert escalation, Dangote confirmed sacking some workers as part of a “reorganisation exercise” and denied large-scale dismissals.
The dispute intensified after PENGASSAN threatened to disrupt crude oil and gas supply to the refinery, prompting Dangote to accuse the union of attempting to sabotage the energy supply chain.