By Aisha Muhammad Magaji
A tense standoff has erupted between Dangote Refinery and Nigerian labor unions, with the Trade Union Congress (TUC) accusing the company of seeking to suspend the Nigerian Constitution to maximize profits.The dispute has intensified following Dangote’s insistence that unions pay overdue dues, prompting fiery responses from both the TUC and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The TUC alleges that Dangote Refinery has undermined workers’ rights by dismissing over 800 staff members for joining PENGASSAN.According to the union, such actions violate Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, which guarantees the right to freedom of association, as well as International Labour Organization (ILO) standards. TUC National President, Bobboi Bala Kaigama, condemned the move, warning that corporate greed should never supersede constitutional rights and human dignity.
In response, Dangote Refinery issued a statement demanding that the unions settle unpaid dues, asserting that “no investor is bigger than Nigeria.”The company warned that failure to comply could negatively impact refinery operations, including crude supply to domestic industries, heightening tensions with organized labor.
Both PENGASSAN and TUC rejected Dangote’s position, emphasizing that labor rights and constitutional protections cannot be undermined for profit maximization. PENGASSAN described the company’s actions as an “attempt to intimidate workers,” while TUC stressed that the union’s role in advocating for fair labor practices is non-negotiable.
The unions insist that their members’ rights to collective bargaining and association are inviolable, urging Dangote to comply with Nigerian law rather than threaten industrial action.
The dispute has sparked fears of industrial disruption.Dangote’s refinery operations are critical to Nigeria’s energy supply chain, and any prolonged standoff could affect fuel distribution and downstream industries. Experts are calling for dialogue and mediation to prevent escalation and preserve both workers’ rights and national economic interests.
Labor experts and civil society groups are urging both Dangote Refinery and the unions to engage in meaningful dialogue.They stress that balancing corporate interests with constitutional and labor protections is essential to maintain industrial peace and protect Nigeria’s economic stability.
The escalating conflict between Dangote Refinery and Nigeria’s labor unions underscores the delicate balance between corporate profit motives and workers’ rights. With unions refusing to back down and Dangote pushing for compliance, the coming weeks will be critical in determining whether dialogue or confrontation shapes the outcome.
