The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) and the Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) have denounced the mass sackings at Dangote Refinery, accusing the company of anti-labour practices and attempts to suppress trade union activities.
Both groups declared solidarity with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in its confrontation with the refinery’s management, warning that the dispute could escalate into nationwide fuel scarcity and affect essential services.
They, in a statement on Tuesday, argued that the actions of Dangote Refinery represented a wider assault on the rights of workers in Nigeria, linking it to previous attempts to undermine trade unions in other subsidiaries of the Dangote Group.
Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.
We condemn in the strongest terms any form of union-busting, intimidation, or retaliation against workers who organize to defend their rights.
The right to organise, negotiate collectively, and work in safe, fair conditions is non-negotiable.
We demand that Dangote Refinery immediately reinstate all workers who were unjustly terminated for exercising their right to freedom of association and unionization.
We demand that the government intervenes and protects workers’ rights, ensuring that employers do not break the law.
The refusal of the Dangote company to accept the just demands by the workers could lead to fuel scarcity, affecting essential services and the economy.
The CDWR, in its statement, said 800 workers were sacked on 25 September 2025, a day after joining PENGASSAN, describing the move as an attempt to crush unionism in the refinery.
It is now very obvious that Mr Aliko Dangote and his management team are determined to crush all unions in Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical
Plants similar to what obtain in Dangote Cement, Dangote Sugar etc., and pave the way for a slave-like work environment with no respect for human rights.
The sacking of 800 workers by the management of Dangote Refineries on September 25, 2025, a day after joining the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN)
It is not a coincidence, it is clearly to undermine workers right to unionism and freedom of association and pave the way for massive exploitation of workers.
Campaign for Democratic and Workers Rights (CDWR) condemns this anti-labour action.
The Dangote management had claimed the dismissals were part of a reorganisation to prevent sabotage, but CDWR dismissed the explanation as “a criminal blackmail of Nigerian workers and a ruse.
PENGASSAN has already directed members to embark on strike action, starting on 28 September in field locations and extending to offices and agencies on 29 September.
The CDWR welcomed this move and urged joint action with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to defend labour rights.
It also accused the government of complicity, alleging that the state deliberately allowed public refineries to collapse in order to pave the way for Dangote Refinery.
Which it said had benefited from state support and concessions.
The group called for solidarity strikes and for the nationalisation of the energy sector under democratic workers’ control.
