By Atiku Sarki, Abuja
The Nigeria Labour Congress has directed affiliate unions across the country to commence mobilisation for a nationwide strike over alleged anti-labour practices by the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the sacking of 800 workers.
In an internal memo issued on Monday by its president, Joe Ajaero, the NLC accused the company of union-busting, victimisation, and trampling on workers’ constitutional rights.
“You are requested to immediately begin mobilising your members and resources for a full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance,” the memo read.
It added, “The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the resistance of organised labour. No amount of media verbiage and paid hirelings will stop us from fighting for our liberty in the face of apparent regulatory capture.”
The congress further alleged that the company had operated “as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt.”
Similarly, the Trade Union Congress, in a separate statement by its Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, condemned the refinery’s action, describing it as “an affront on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers.”
“The TUC stands united and ready to act decisively in defence of our members. No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on workers’ rights,” Toro said.
The TUC demanded the immediate reinstatement of all affected workers, a public apology, and assurances against future victimisation, warning that affiliates had been placed on standby for industrial action if the demands were not met.
Meanwhile, the Federal Government has stepped in, convening a conciliation meeting on Monday at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, chaired by the Minister, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi.
Dingyadi, who was joined by the Minister of State for Labour, the Minister of Finance, representatives of the Dangote Group, PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and other stakeholders, appealed for calm, urging parties to “give peace a chance.”
However, the meeting ended in a deadlock and is expected to resume on Tuesday at 2 p.m.