TUC issues red alert, threatens strike as Dangote Refinery labour dispute escalates

The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has placed its members on red alert as tensions rise in the oil sector following a dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

TUC’s Kano State Chairman, Comrade Mubarak Buba Yarima, told Daily Post that the union is prepared to mobilise for an industrial action if today’s Abuja meeting between the federal government, PENGASSAN, and Dangote ends without resolution.

“We have already placed our members on red alert. Once we receive a communiqué from PENGASSAN, we are standing by. You cannot trample on workers’ rights and expect us to keep quiet,” Yarima declared.

The crisis erupted after PENGASSAN accused Dangote Refinery of sacking hundreds of workers who joined the association, alleging that many were replaced with expatriates. The union condemned the move as victimisation and a violation of workers’ constitutional rights.

Labour Minister Maigari Dingyadi has summoned both sides to an emergency meeting in Abuja, warning that a strike could trigger severe economic and security consequences. Ministry spokesperson Patience Onuobia said the minister appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend action while negotiations continue.

But Yarima insisted the matter is non-negotiable.

“We are not denying that Dangote has invested heavily and created jobs, and we supported his efforts. But that does not excuse dismissing workers for joining a union. Total, Shell, and others have been here for decades and they all recognise unions—so why is this different?” he asked.

He added that TUC’s demand is “simple fairness.”

“We are not asking for anything out of the ordinary or lobbying for money. We just want him to do the right thing and give those workers back their jobs,” he said.

The outcome of today’s talks could determine whether Nigeria faces another paralysing strike in its critical oil and gas sector.