The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria on Sunday placed its members on strike notice over what it tagged as “anti-worker” policies currently being implemented by the management of Dangote refinery.
The TUC also placed its members on alert for a nationwide strike should Dangote refinery fail to reinstate its sacked workers and issue full apology to its workers.
The TUC in the statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Nuhu Toro, reads, “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.
“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.”
The TUC in the statement demanded, “Immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all affected workers; Public apology from Dangote management with firm assurances against future victimisation; An independent investigation involving the Ministry of Labour, 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 with these demands within a reasonable time.
“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.”
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria has instructed its members nationwide to withdraw their services following the alleged mass dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Refinery.
In a circular issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on Saturday, September 27, 2025, and signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation conventions by dismissing workers for joining the association.
The NEC alleged the refinery had replaced the dismissed staff with “over 2,000 Indians,” calling the action “an affront to all workers in Nigeria.”
PUNCH Online reports that this particular clash began when Dangote refinery, in a letter dated September 24, 2025, ordered the sacking of some staff over alleged sabotage that it said threatened the operational safety of the 650,000-barrel-per-day facility.
PENGASSAN put the number of sacked staff at around 800, and called on the labour unions, relevant government agencies, and other stakeholders to intervene, describing the matter as one of “urgent national importance.”
But Dangote refinery denied the mass sacking. Management said the company was conducting an internal reorganisation to improve efficiency and insisted that the majority of its workforce remained Nigerian.
PENGASSAN’s action, if fully observed, risks disrupting supplies to the refinery and could have broader implications for downstream operations linked to the plant.
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