TUC Joins PENGASSAN Nationwide Strike Against Dangote Refinery Over Anti-Labour Practices

“The Congress hereby places all affiliates on standby for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands within a reasonable time. 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 (ILO) conventions.”

The TUC reiterated that it was “ready to act decisively” in defence of Nigerian workers and would not allow “any corporation, regardless of size or wealth” to undermine their rights.

PENGASSAN had earlier declared a nationwide strike over the weekend, directing its members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery. The association accused the refinery of illegally dismissing its members for unionising and replacing them with foreign workers, mainly from India.

In its directive, PENGASSAN also ordered a halt to control room operations, panel operations, and outfield activities in all field locations associated with Dangote Refinery.

In response, Dangote Refinery described PENGASSAN’s directive as “economic sabotage.” The company has denied claims of mass sacking and insisted it is conducting an internal reorganisation to improve efficiency. Management maintained that the “majority of its workforce remains Nigerian” and accused the union of misrepresenting the facts.

As tensions escalate, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) on Sunday urged both Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute. Labour experts warn that if the strike continues, it could have far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s oil and gas supply chain and the broader economy.

The TUC, meanwhile, has mobilised its affiliates and signalled its readiness to escalate the situation unless Dangote Refinery addresses the grievances of affected workers.

The decision by the Trade Union Congress (TUC) to join PENGASSAN in its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery underscores the seriousness of the dispute and the growing frustration of Nigeria’s organised labour movement. With demands for reinstatement, apology, and respect for constitutional rights, the coming days will be critical in determining whether this conflict leads to constructive dialogue or escalates into a full-blown nationwide shutdown.

As the Nigerian government and regulatory bodies step in to mediate, all eyes are on Dangote Refinery and the labour unions to see if they can resolve their differences and prevent a disruption with potentially significant economic consequences.