TUC Condemns Dangote Over Alleged Anti-Worker Practices as FG Moves to Avert PENGASSAN Strike

By Chinedu Echianu

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned what it described as “anti-worker actions” by the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, accusing the company of unjustly terminating employees for exercising their constitutional right to unionize.

In a strongly worded statement issued on Sunday, TUC Secretary General, Comrade General Nuhu Toro, said the move was a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and in violation of international labour conventions.

The Congress declared full solidarity with its affiliate, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), whose members were allegedly victimized for declaring union membership.

TUC demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all affected workers, a public apology from Dangote management, and an independent investigation into the refinery’s labour practices involving the Ministry of Labour, the International Labour Organization (ILO) and other stakeholders.

“All affiliates have been placed on red alert for a possible national industrial action if the refinery’s management fails to comply within a reasonable time,” the statement warned.

Meanwhile, the Federal Government has stepped in to prevent the dispute from escalating into a nationwide strike.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, in a separate statement on Sunday, appealed to PENGASSAN to shelve its planned strike action scheduled to commence on Monday, September 29, 2025.

He revealed that invitations had been extended to both PENGASSAN leadership and Dangote Refinery management for an emergency conciliation meeting in his office on Monday.

“The petroleum sector is the core of our economy. A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses but also cause hardship for Nigerians and negatively affect national security,” Dingyadi said, urging both parties to give peace a chance.

The Minister assured stakeholders that the Federal Government is committed to resolving the dispute amicably in the interest of workers, industry players, and the Nigerian people.