The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike against the Dangote Group, citing ongoing anti-worker practices. This decision comes amid a current strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which has halted operations at major oil and gas regulatory bodies, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
The situation escalated after PENGASSAN reported the dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote refinery, allegedly replaced by expatriates, a claim the company denies, stating the layoffs were part of a necessary restructuring for safety reasons.
Despite a court ruling restraining PENGASSAN from its planned industrial action against Dangote, the union declared it was unaware of the injunction, maintaining that court orders should be served directly rather than via social media.
NLC President Joe Ajaero condemned Dangote’s practices as a “protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade,” emphasizing the need for decisive action to protect workers’ rights and dignity. He criticized the company for violating labor laws and treating its employees poorly.
The NLC has instructed its affiliates to mobilize for a comprehensive unionization effort and develop a strategy for collective action against the Dangote Group, aiming to hold the conglomerate accountable for its labor practices.
The ongoing conflict has significant implications for Nigeria’s economy, particularly as the Dangote refinery is crucial for the country’s fuel production and efforts to stabilize the currency. The situation remains tense as both sides prepare for potential escalation.
