The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has announced plans to join forces with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery. The refinery is accused of anti‑labour actions, including the dismissal of more than 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 alleged violation of workers’ rights, emphasizing that no company or corporation will be allowed to undermine the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. TUC has instructed all its affiliates to be on standby for a national industrial action if Dangote’s management fails to comply with the demands, which include reversing the dismissals and issuing a public apology.
The strike is a response to Dangote Refinery’s decision to sack workers who declared their membership in PENGASSAN, an act the union views as a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and the country’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions. Earlier, PENGASSAN declared a nationwide strike and directed its members to cut gas and crude supplies to Dangote Refinery. Dangote described the 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 clear its full solidarity with the affected workers and their union, and it is prepared to take decisive action in defence of its members and the Nigerian workforce. The planned strike highlights ongoing tensions between labour unions and companies in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector. Although the government has been working to improve labour relations and protect workers’ rights, the dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN suggests that further measures are needed to address workers’ and unions’ concerns.
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 and affecting the country’s oil and gas production. With the TUC and PENGASSAN united in their stance, pressure is on Dangote Refinery to resolve the dispute and address the workers’ concerns.
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