The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has ordered its affiliate unions to commence full-scale mobilization for a nationwide strike against the Dangote Group, citing the conglomerate’s alleged “deliberate anti-worker crusade” and disregard for Nigeria’s labour laws. The directive was issued in an internal memo signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on September 29, 2025.

The memo read, “The ongoing disputes with PENGASSAN and NUPENG are only symptoms of a deeper problem: a systemic anti-labour policy of union-busting, worker exploitation, and disregard for the rule of law that defines the Group’s industrial relations practices.

“For too long, the Dangote Group has operated like a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our labour laws with contempt. Its facilities have become plantations of exploitation where workers’ dignity is deliberately crushed in pursuit of profit for a few.

“The time for pleading and fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now. All affiliate unions are hereby placed on immediate and full alert, begin vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within Dangote facilities under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

“Commence preparations to mobilise members and resources for full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance.

“The Congress also issued clear demands to the Dangote Group: “Unconditional respect for workers’ right to freely join unions of their choice, an end to intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities, and full compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions.

“To enforce the directive, each affiliate union has been instructed to immediately set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise with the NLC National Secretariat within 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

“The NLC accused the Dangote Group of operating with impunity, alleging that regulatory authorities had failed to rein in its excesses. The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the collective resistance of organised labour. No amount of propaganda or paid agents will stop us from defending workers’ rights, especially in the face of regulatory capture, where the state appears to have abdicated its duty to hold this conglomerate accountable.

“The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built the Dangote empire; we will not allow it to become a monument to their oppression. Together we stand! Together, we will overcome!”

Allegations Against Dangote Group

The NLC accused Dangote Group of
– Union-busting: Disregarding workers’ right to freely join unions of their choice
– Worker exploitation: Engaging in practices that exploit workers and undermine their dignity
– Disregard for labour laws: Flouting Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98

NLC’s Demands

The NLC has demanded that Dangote Group:
– Respect workers’ rights: Allow workers to freely join unions of their choice
– End intimidation and victimization: Cease all forms of intimidation and victimization against workers
– Comply with labour laws: Fully comply with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions

Strike Action

The nationwide strike is expected to disrupt operations across multiple sectors, including petroleum, manufacturing, logistics, and construction. The NLC has instructed its affiliate unions to:
– Set up Action Mobilisation Committees: To coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication
– Mobilize members and resources: For a full-scale, decisive engagement against Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance

The strike action has sparked concerns about the potential impact on Nigeria’s economy and the supply of essential petroleum products.