Labour unions have called on Alhaji Aliko Dangote to respect workers’ constitutional rights to unionize and engage in collective bargaining at the Dangote Refinery, insisting that no private investment is above Nigerian labour laws.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), accused the company of attempting to suppress employees’ rights to association as guaranteed under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution and international conventions including the ILO Conventions 87 and 98.
Labour representatives acknowledged the significance of Dangote’s $20 billion investment in the refinery, but stressed that the project was a profit-driven enterprise, not a charitable venture.
“Dangote deserves commendation for his investment and operational excellence, but that cannot override the constitutional rights of workers,” union leaders said.
They alleged that workers have repeatedly raised concerns over welfare and remuneration, claiming management has used expatriate supervisors to stifle complaints. According to the unions, employees recently approached PENGASSAN to seek collective bargaining, a move that allegedly triggered management’s resistance.
Labour leaders noted that other major oil and gas companies—such as TotalEnergies, ExxonMobil, Chevron, Shell, Agip, NLNG and NNPC—have operated for decades in Nigeria while recognizing unions and respecting collective bargaining without seeking exemptions.
“It is unacceptable for any company, no matter how strategic, to demand suspension of workers’ rights in order to remain in business,” they added.
They urged President Bola Tinubu’s administration not to heed calls from any quarters to proscribe unions, warning that such action would contravene Nigeria’s democratic principles and labour laws.
PENGASSAN and allied unions maintained that unionization does not harm business growth, citing global industry standards. They called on Dangote management to return to the negotiating table, open discussions with workers, and implement fair remuneration in line with oil and gas salary benchmarks.
“Dangote Refinery agreed to abide by the laws of the land before receiving its operating licence,” the statement said. “It is time for management to honour that commitment.”
The unions reaffirmed their readiness for dialogue but insisted that the right to collective bargaining is non-negotiable.