Efforts to resolve the escalating row between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) collapsed on Monday after conciliation talks in Abuja ended without agreement.
The meeting, convened by Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, was aimed at addressing the dispute over workers’ rights to unionise at Dangote’s refinery and petrochemical operations.
Walkouts Over “Offensive Clauses”
Sources said Dangote representatives attempted to insert “offensive clauses” into the draft Memorandum of Understanding, sparking two walkouts by labour delegates. NUPENG, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), refused to sign any document that could undermine workers during strikes.
“So the strike continues,” one labour leader said after the deadlock.
PENGASSAN Vows to Join
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) declared “unwavering solidarity” with NUPENG, warning that it would mobilise its members unless Dangote’s management reverses its anti-union stance.
In a strongly worded statement, PENGASSAN said:
“The denial of workers’ right to unionise at Dangote Refinery is unacceptable and a violation of Nigerian labour laws and ILO conventions. We will be left with no option but to join in shutting down operations as a last resort.”
ITUC-Africa on Red Alert
The African Regional Organisation of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC-Africa) also weighed in, calling Dangote’s resistance to unionisation “a dangerous precedent of corporate monopoly undermining labour rights across Africa.” It warned of Africa-wide mobilisation if the company fails to comply.
Growing Threat of Disruption
The refinery, which processes up to 650,000 barrels per day, is central to Nigeria’s domestic fuel supply. Any shutdown could trigger widespread scarcity, worsen inflation, and destabilise an already fragile economy.
For now, the deadlock signals a deepening standoff between Africa’s biggest refinery and organised labour — one that could paralyse operations unless urgent concessions are made.
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