The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called on President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG).
NLC made the call in a statement signed by its President, Mr Joe Ajaero, which was made available to newsmen on Saturday in Abuja.
This was sequel to the announcement by NUPENG that it woukd commence a nationwide strike from Sunday, over what it described as Dangote’s “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.”
NUPENG announced plans for a nationwide strike over Dangote’s alleged “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies”.
The NLC President condemned Dangote Group’s alleged exploitation of Nigerian workers, disregard for constitutional rights to unionize, and collective bargaining.
NLC also demanded immediate unionization of Dangote Refinery and its subsidiaries, warning of possible industrial action if demands aren’t met.
They further urged President Tinubu to impress upon Dangote Group to respect labour laws and international conventions, ensuring Nigerian workers’ rights were protected.
Ajaero stated, “Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences”.
“We call on the president to immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order and impress on them to respect the nation and international law”, he added.
Ajaero impressed it on the government not to look the other way while a few individuals privatise the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce.
The NLC President accused Dangote Group of exploiting Nigerian workers while disregarding their constitutional rights to unionise and bargain collectively.
His words: “The NLC unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates.
“Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences,” he said.
Ajaero said the congress further demanded the immediate unionisation of Dangote Refinery and all its subsidiaries.
According to him, preparations are underway for a united resistance in solidarity with NUPENG, including possible industrial action.
“If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action.
“Our solidarity is not negotiable. We will fight because we must.
“The working class must not be sacrificed on the altar of corporate greed,” he said.
