Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) Stands with NUPENG Against Anti-Union by Dangote Refinery
PRESS STATEMENT
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Date: September 9, 2025
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) Stands with NUPENG Against Anti-Union by Dangote Refinery
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) strongly condemns the reported ban on workers’ unionism at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and expresses full solidarity with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in their protest against this blatant attack on workers’ rights.
The right to freely associate and form or join trade unions is a fundamental and inalienable right, protected under Nigeria’s Constitution, the Labour Act, and numerous international conventions to which Nigeria is a signatory, including those of the International Labour Organization (ILO). Any attempt by a private employer, no matter how powerful, to suppress this right represents an assault not only on the affected workers but on the entire Nigerian labour movement.
Reports that workers at the Dangote Refinery are being denied the right to organize and join unions are deeply disturbing. Such practices not only violate the law but expose the underlying exploitation and disregard for labour rights that underpin the operations of many private enterprises in the country. It is particularly alarming that this is happening in a company that positions itself as a national economic champion.
This is a defining moment for the Nigerian labour movement. The fight at the Dangote Refinery is a fight to defend the right of every Nigerian worker to organize, to resist exploitation, and to build power from below.
The WYSN will continue to mobilize, educate, and agitate in solidarity with all workers resisting corporate oppression. We call on all socialist, progressive, and working-class organizations to unite behind NUPENG and demand full respect for union rights at Dangote Refinery and across all sectors.
We commend NUPENG for taking a bold and principled stand in defense of its members and the broader working class. Their protest is just, necessary, and timely. The struggle for union recognition at the Dangote Refinery is not only about oil and gas workers—it is part of a wider fight to ensure dignity, fair wages, safe working conditions, and democratic rights for all workers in Nigeria.
Both the Nigeria Labour Congress and the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria have issued solidarity messages to the NUPENG and are also calling on Dangote to meet the demands of workers. This struggle must be doubled with a new minimum wage, anti-causalisation campaign and trade union centres must mobilise mass actions to stop capitalist exploitation by Dangote company and others.
We remind all employers: union-busting has no place in a democratic society. The collective voice of workers cannot—and will not—be silenced.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Solidarity forever!
Signed:
The Secretariat
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)