TUC Joins PENGASSAN in Nationwide Strike Against Dangote Refinery Over Workers’ Sackings

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has announced it will join the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour practices.

TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, in a statement on Sunday, said the union is demanding a public apology from the refinery for the dismissal of more than 800 workers who were sacked after voluntarily joining PENGASSAN. He stressed that Nigerian workers’ rights must not be violated and warned that all TUC affiliates are now on standby for a national industrial action should Dangote management fail to reverse the sackings and issue the apology.

Toro described the refinery’s action as a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and a breach of the country’s commitments under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. He reaffirmed TUC’s solidarity with PENGASSAN and the affected workers, warning that no corporation, no matter its size or influence, would be allowed to undermine the dignity and rights of the workforce.

PENGASSAN had earlier declared a nationwide strike, ordering its members to cut gas and crude supply to Dangote Refinery. In response, the refinery described the move as economic sabotage.

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has since intervened, calling on both Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute.