A civic group, the Economic Rights Activists, has criticized the planned nationwide strike by the Nigeria Labour Congress and affiliated unions, citing potential disruptions to fuel distribution and harm to the country’s economy. The strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, is in response to alleged anti-union practices at the Dangote Refinery and accusations of monopolistic control in the downstream petroleum sector.
According to the group’s Executive Director, Dr. Josiah Inuwa, the industrial action would primarily affect ordinary citizens, including small business owners, transport operators, and families, rather than corporate giants. Inuwa warned that the strike would lead to increased transport fares, higher food prices, and potential power outages in hospitals, ultimately harming the Nigerian people.
The Economic Rights Activists drew parallels with past oil sector strikes, such as the 2012 fuel subsidy protests and the 2020 industrial actions, which resulted in significant economic losses and deepened recessionary pressures. The group expressed concerns that the proposed strike could trigger similar losses, threatening Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery and President Bola Tinubu’s reforms.
Inuwa questioned the timing of the strike, suggesting that it may be aligned with efforts by vested interests to undermine Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency through the Dangote Refinery. He accused the unions of potentially becoming pawns of cartels that profit from the status quo, and criticized their leaders for hypocrisy and bypassing civilized dispute resolution mechanisms.
The group demanded that the unions suspend the strike and return to negotiations to resolve grievances through dialogue. They also urged President Tinubu, the Ministry of Labour, and relevant agencies to facilitate constructive engagement and stand firm against union pressure. Additionally, the Economic Rights Activists called on the Dangote Refinery to address worker concerns regarding unionization and labor conditions transparently.
The National Industrial Court and the Department of State Services were also urged to establish mechanisms to deter irresponsible strike threats that weaponize critical sectors like oil and gas. The group appealed to the National Assembly to summon all parties involved to ensure transparency and investigate potential sabotage by cartels profiting from Nigeria’s fuel import dependency.
Inuwa emphasized that the strike threat is not a noble struggle but a calculated move for control and monopoly, and urged Nigerians to maintain vigilance against manipulation. The progress recorded from President Tinubu’s economic reforms is fragile and vulnerable to disruption, making it essential to find a resolution to the dispute through dialogue and constructive engagement.
