NLC protesters
Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a mobilization drive across its affiliate unions in preparation for possible industrial action against the Dangote Group, following what it described as a “brazen assault on workers’ rights.”
In a circular signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, and distributed to union branches on Monday in Abuja, the labour body ordered immediate action in response to the alleged dismissal of over 800 employees by the Dangote Refinery, a move that has sparked outrage within the labour community.
> “This is not just about numbers—it’s about a dangerous trend of corporate impunity,” Ajaero said.
“The Dangote Group’s actions represent an anti-worker crusade that must be confronted head-on.”
The NLC accused the conglomerate of violating Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution—which guarantees freedom of association—as well as key International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98, which protect workers’ rights to form and join trade unions.
The conflict emerged from a standoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery, following the alleged mass sack of unionized staff. In solidarity, the NLC has now directed all affiliates to swing into action.
> “Every affiliate is hereby directed to establish an Action Mobilisation Committee and connect with the NLC Secretariat within 72 hours,” Ajaero stated. “We must take a united stand against this sustained attack on the Nigerian worker.”
The directive also calls on unions to intensify unionisation efforts within all Dangote operations under their jurisdiction, urging full-scale readiness for protests or strikes if dialogue fails.
> “This is not the time for silence or compromise,” Ajaero added. “We must marshal our strength and defend our dignity. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has stepped in, convening a conciliatory meeting aimed at de-escalating the crisis and preventing the situation from spiraling into a nationwide industrial action.
With tensions mounting and the NLC not backing down, all eyes are now on both Dangote Group and the government to resolve the dispute—or risk a major showdown with organised labour.
