The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a strike notice against the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery over what it described as anti-worker practices, including the dismissal of employees for union activities.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Dr Nuhu Toro, the TUC condemned the refinery’s alleged victimisation of workers who joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.
The union said the termination violated Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and breached international labour obligations.
The TUC demanded the immediate reinstatement of all affected workers, a public apology from Dangote management, and assurances against future victimisation.
It also called for an independent probe involving the Ministry of Labour, the International Labour Organisation, and other stakeholders to review the company’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,” Toro said.
He warned that no company would be allowed to trample on the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers.
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The dispute follows PENGASSAN’s directive to members nationwide to withdraw services after alleging the dismissal of more than 800 staff.
The union accused the refinery of replacing them with over 2,000 foreign workers, calling the action a threat to national interest.
The conflict began after Dangote refinery, in a September 24, 2025 letter, accused some employees of sabotage and ordered their dismissal.
PENGASSAN rejected the claim, saying the action was a direct assault on labour rights.
Dangote management denied allegations of mass sackings, insisting the exercise was part of internal reorganisation aimed at improving efficiency.
The company maintained that most of its workforce remained Nigerian.
Observers warn that prolonged labour unrest could disrupt fuel supplies from the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant and affect downstream operations.
The Federal Government is already mediating between the refinery and labour unions to avert a wider crisis.
