Nigeria TV Info — NLC Mobilises for Possible Nationwide Strike Over Dangote Refinery Dispute

Abuja, Nigeria — The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions to begin mobilisation for a potential nationwide strike in response to the ongoing industrial dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

In a memo issued on Monday, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws, the constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by dismissing employees for joining the association.

The dispute, which revolves around the alleged termination of more than 800 workers, has further heightened tensions between organised labour and the refinery. Ajaero described Dangote Group facilities as “plantations of exploitation” where workers’ dignity is sacrificed for profit.

He further stated that the mass dismissal of workers reflected “a deeper sickness — a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.”

The NLC President directed affiliate unions to immediately place their members on full alert and intensify unionisation campaigns across all Dangote facilities nationwide. He also ordered each affiliate to establish an “action mobilisation committee” and liaise with the NLC secretariat within 72 hours.

“The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with resistance,” Ajaero stressed, insisting that unity of purpose has become “non-negotiable.”

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has called for a conciliatory meeting to de-escalate the crisis. However, tensions remain high as both sides continue to trade accusations.

The Dangote Refinery, while confirming the dismissal of some staff, maintained that “only a small number was affected,” describing the move as part of a broader reorganisation exercise.