The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has announced its plan to join forces with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria in a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery. The refinery is accused of anti-labour activities, including the sacking of over 800 workers who voluntarily joined PENGASSAN. TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro disclosed this in a statement, demanding a public apology from Dangote Refinery for its actions.

The union is taking a strong stance against the refinery’s alleged violation of workers’ rights, stressing that no company or corporation will be allowed to undermine the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. TUC has notified all its affiliates to be on standby for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with the demands, which include reversing the sacking of workers and issuing a public apology.

The strike is in response to Dangote Refinery’s decision to sack workers who declared their membership in PENGASSAN, which the union sees as a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions. PENGASSAN had earlier declared a nationwide strike and directed its members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery.

Dangote Refinery has described PENGASSAN’s directive as economic sabotage, while the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission has urged both parties to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute. The TUC has made it clear that it stands in full solidarity with the affected workers and their union, and is ready to take decisive action in defence of its members and the Nigerian workforce.

The planned strike highlights the ongoing tensions between labour unions and companies in Nigeria, particularly in the oil and gas sector. The Nigerian government has been working to improve labour relations and protect workers’ rights, but the dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN suggests that more needs to be done to address the concerns of workers and unions.

As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Dangote Refinery will respond to the demands of the TUC and PENGASSAN. The Nigerian government may also need to intervene to prevent the dispute from escalating further and affecting the country’s oil and gas production. With the TUC and PENGASSAN united in their stance, the pressure is on Dangote Refinery to resolve the dispute and address the concerns of the workers.