The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a strike notice to its members, accusing Dangote Refinery of pursuing “anti-worker” policies. The union vowed to launch a nationwide strike if management fails to reinstate dismissed workers and issue a public apology.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr. Nuhu Toro, the TUC condemned the refinery’s recent actions, describing them as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights.
TUC Issues Demands
“The TUC strongly condemns the recent anti-worker actions of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, particularly the unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and unionisation,” the statement read.
The union declared solidarity with the affected workers and with its affiliate, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which it said had been targeted for union membership activities.
The TUC demanded the following:
- Immediate reinstatement of all dismissed workers.
- A public apology from Dangote management with assurances against future victimisation.
- An independent investigation involving the Ministry of Labour, the ILO, and stakeholders into the refinery’s labour practices.
“Congress hereby places all affiliates on stand-by for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply within a reasonable time. No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers,” it added.
Growing Labour Tensions
The latest TUC warning comes after PENGASSAN directed its members nationwide to withdraw services following the alleged dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers. The union accused Dangote of replacing them with “over 2,000 Indians,” calling the move “an affront to all Nigerian workers.”
PENGASSAN’s directive followed an emergency NEC meeting on September 27, 2025. In its resolution, the union alleged that Dangote Refinery violated the Constitution, Nigeria’s labour laws, and ILO conventions.
The dispute traces back to a September 24, 2025, letter in which Dangote management ordered the disengagement of some staff over alleged sabotage that it said threatened the operational safety of its 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
Dangote Denies Mass Sack
Dangote Refinery has denied claims of a mass dismissal. The company said it only carried out an internal reorganisation to improve efficiency, stressing that most of its workforce remains Nigerian.
However, PENGASSAN insists the matter is one of “urgent national importance,” urging labour unions, government agencies, and stakeholders to intervene.
If fully enforced, the strike action could disrupt supplies to the refinery and ripple across downstream operations linked to the plant.
