The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has ordered full-scale mobilization of its affiliate unions for a nationwide strike. NLC recently revealed that the strike is necessary because of Dangote Group’s deliberate anti-worker crusade and complete disregard for Nigeria’s labour laws.
The order, issued in an internal memo signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on September 29, 2025, said the era of futile dialogue with the conglomerate is now over, and the time has come for “decisive, collective action.”
According to him, the current dispute involving PENGASSAN and NUPENG is a clear case of worker exploitation that can no longer be tolerated.
He stated that Dangote Group cannot be allowed to keep treating Nigerian labour laws with contempt while crushing the dignity of its workers.
“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 memo read.
Joe further demanded unconditional respect for workers’ right to freely join unions of their choice without any fear or intimidation.
He concluded by saying that the Dangote empire was built with the blood and sweat of Nigerian workers; therefore, they must not be oppressed.
“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!” it added.
Folami David is a dynamic journalist who views the world through an analytical lens, translating complex narratives across multiple industries into compelling stories. With an insatiable appetite for information and a keen eye for emerging trends, Folami specializes in uncovering the interconnections between technology, business, culture, and society.
