The Trade Union Congress (TUC) of Nigeria has issued a nationwide strike notice to its members in response to what it described as “anti-worker” policies currently being implemented by the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a strongly worded statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Nuhu Toro, the TUC condemned what it termed the unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and union membership. The union specifically criticised the sacking of workers affiliated with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), calling the move a clear violation of workers’ rights under both Nigerian and international labour laws.
“The TUC strongly condemns the recent anti-worker actions of the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, particularly the unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and unionisation,” the statement read.
“We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with their union, our affiliate PENGASSAN, whose members have been victimised merely for declaring membership. Such actions amount to a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and on Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions,” it added.
The TUC issued a set of demands, including:
- The immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all affected workers;
- A public apology from Dangote management, along with firm assurances against future victimisation;
- An independent investigation into the refinery’s labour practices, involving the Ministry of Labour, the ILO, and relevant stakeholders.
The union warned that failure by Dangote Refinery to meet these demands within a reasonable timeframe would lead to a nationwide industrial action. It stated unequivocally, “Congress hereby places all affiliates on stand-by for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands. No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. The TUC stands united and ready to act decisively in defence of our members and the Nigerian workforce.”
This development follows a directive issued by PENGASSAN instructing its members across the country to withdraw their services in protest over the alleged dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers by the refinery. The union, in a circular signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, following an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, 27 September 2025, accused Dangote Refinery of replacing the sacked workers with over 2,000 Indian nationals—an act it described as “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”
The conflict reportedly stems from a letter dated 24 September 2025, in which Dangote Refinery announced the termination of several employees on the grounds of alleged sabotage, said to threaten the operational safety of its 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
While PENGASSAN has put the number of affected workers at around 800 and called for urgent intervention by government agencies and labour unions, the refinery has denied carrying out any mass layoffs. In its response, management claimed it was conducting an internal reorganisation aimed at improving efficiency, and insisted that the majority of its workforce remains Nigerian.
If the strike actions by TUC and PENGASSAN are fully implemented, industry experts warn of potential disruptions in supply operations and broader ramifications across the downstream oil and gas sector.
As tensions continue to rise, stakeholders await possible intervention from the Federal Government and international labour bodies to prevent a full-blown crisis.
