NLC warns Dangote over anti-union policies, backs NUPENG strike threat
By Jeffrey Agbo
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its face-off with the Dangote Group, cautioning that persistent anti-union practices at the Dangote Refinery could trigger nationwide industrial action.
The clash comes as NUPENG announced plans to halt fuel loading from Monday, September 8, 2025, over what it described as restrictive employment policies at the refinery.
At the centre of the dispute is Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to import thousands of compressed natural gas-powered trucks for fuel distribution, allegedly with a condition that drivers must not join trade unions. NUPENG argues this violates workers’ constitutional rights.
In a statement issued on Saturday, NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, described the group’s labour practices as “crude and dangerous,” noting that similar grievances had been raised by workers in Dangote Cement, Sugar, and Flour companies.
“The revelations contained in NUPENG’s statement represent not just an attack on petroleum workers but a full-blown declaration of war against trade unionism and the principle of decent work,” the NLC said. It accused the Dangote Group of underpaying workers compared to industry standards, obstructing union membership, promoting casualisation, and tolerating unsafe work conditions.
The NLC also faulted the company’s preference for foreign hires, recalling past cases where welders and fitters were brought in from India despite the availability of qualified Nigerians. It said such practices amount to exploitation and contradict the promises of industrialisation and job creation tied to the refinery.
“The attack on NUPENG is an attack on us all. Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences,” the statement added.
“If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will confront this tyranny head-on until victory is secured for Nigerian workers and the Nigerian people.”
The congress announced a nationwide mobilisation of unions and workers, placing them on red alert in solidarity with NUPENG. It further called on the Federal Government and regulators, particularly the Nigerian Midstream & Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, to intervene and enforce compliance with labour laws.
NUPENG, in its earlier statement, said it had engaged Dangote alongside the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners in a bid to reverse the policy but to no avail.
“Arising from the unfortunate outcome of the meeting, the leadership of the union has made several efforts to get relevant institutions of the country to make Alhaji Aliko Dangote and his cousin, Alhaji Sayyu Ali Dantata, follow the line of global best practices and decency, but all to no avail.
“To our utmost shock, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata’s MRS commenced the recruitment of drivers for the imported CNG trucks on Friday, August 29, 2025. The drivers being recruited are being forced to sign an undertaking not to belong to any existing union in the oil and gas industry. NUPENG is seriously concerned and disturbed with the unconscionable business practices of Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata and Alhaji Aliko Dangote, who are scared of allowing unions to exist in their business outfits,” the union said.
