The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed all its affiliate unions to start full mobilisation for a nationwide strike against the Dangote Group. This follows accusations of anti-worker practices, including the alleged dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers at the $20bn Dangote Refinery in Lekki. The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) claims the refinery replaced many of the workers with foreign expatriates, mostly from India. Dangote Group, however, denies the claims, insisting the layoffs were part of a safety-driven restructuring exercise.

On Monday, operations at key oil and gas institutions such as NNPC, NUPRC, and NMDPRA were paralysed due to the strike, with reports of total compliance from workers. Although the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an injunction restraining PENGASSAN from continuing the industrial action, the union maintained it had not been formally served and vowed to press on. NLC President Joe Ajaero accused Dangote of “union-busting” and operating like “a state within a state,” insisting the company must respect workers’ rights and Nigeria’s labour laws.

The dispute is not just about jobs but also Nigeria’s energy future. The refinery is seen as vital to reducing fuel imports and stabilising the naira. A prolonged shutdown could deepen economic pressures across the country. The NLC has ordered all unions to form mobilisation committees and prepare for what it called a “decisive engagement” with Dangote. The Congress said the fight is about defending workers’ dignity and ensuring every Nigerian has the freedom to unionise without fear of intimidation.