By Ademola Adekusibe
September 30, 2025
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has declared a nationwide strike in support of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) following the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers at Dangote Refinery.
In a memo dated September 29, 2025, NLC President Joe Ajaero accused Dangote Group of systemic anti-labour practices, including union-busting and worker exploitation, and called for immediate and decisive collective action.
The dispute began when Dangote Refinery allegedly dismissed more than 800 Nigerian workers, many of whom had recently joined PENGASSAN to demand better pay and safer working conditions. The union claims that these workers were replaced by foreign nationals, predominantly from India, under the guise of a reorganization. Dangote Refinery has denied these allegations, stating that the layoffs were part of a necessary restructuring to improve safety and operational efficiency.
In response to the dismissals, PENGASSAN ordered an immediate halt to crude and gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery, effectively forcing a temporary shutdown of operations. The union also mobilized its members to barricade the entrances to key oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC).
Despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court, PENGASSAN has vowed to continue its nationwide strike. The union maintains that it has not been officially served the court order and will proceed with its industrial action until further notice.
The Federal Government has intervened by initiating reconciliation talks between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN. However, a meeting held on September 29 ended in a deadlock, with both parties failing to reach an agreement. Another round of talks is scheduled for September 30.
The NLC’s nationwide strike has raised concerns about potential disruptions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which is vital to the nation’s economy. The outcome of the ongoing negotiations will be crucial in determining the future of labor relations within the industry.
