The industrial dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has escalated, with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) declaring a nationwide strike and a women’s coalition threatening mass protests.
PENGASSAN had on Sunday announced an indefinite strike, directing members across oil and gas installations to withdraw services following the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers at the refinery. The union alleged that the workers were sacked for joining the union and replaced with foreigners, in violation of Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
In a resolution signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN also ordered a halt to crude oil and gas supplies to the Dangote facility.
NLC backs strike
The NLC, in an internal memo signed by President Joe Ajaero, accused the Dangote Group of “union-busting, exploitation, and contempt for Nigerian labour laws.” It directed affiliate unions to immediately mobilise members and resources for a nationwide strike.
“For too long, the Dangote Group has operated like a state within a state, flouting the Constitution and ILO Conventions. Its facilities have become plantations of exploitation where workers’ dignity is crushed,” the memo read.
The Congress demanded respect for workers’ rights to unionise, an end to intimidation, and full compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws.
Dangote responds
The refinery described PENGASSAN’s order as “unlawful, reckless, and a direct threat to the national economy.”
It warned that halting crude and gas supply would disrupt the production of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas. “In what circumstances would it be justified for PENGASSAN to introduce such hardship into the lives of Nigerians? None that we can see,” the statement said.
Women’s group weighs in
Meanwhile, the Women in Trade Alliance (WOTA) threatened nationwide protests in defence of the refinery.
Its secretary, Dorothy Ninret, speaking in Jos, said Nigerian women would not hesitate to take to the streets if unions continued what she called “selfish interference” with private investment.
“The strike is unnecessary and anti-people. Oil cabals are trying to frustrate Dangote’s operations and return Nigeria to the dark days of market manipulation and unbearable fuel prices,” she said.
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