The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions to begin full mobilisation for a nationwide strike against the Dangote Group, accusing the conglomerate of systemic anti-labour practices.
In a memo issued by NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the union declared that “the time for pleading is over” after what it described as years of failed dialogue with the company. The NLC accused Dangote of union-busting, worker exploitation, and outright disregard for Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.
“For too long, the Dangote Group has operated like a state within a state, treating labour laws with contempt. Its facilities have become plantations of exploitation where workers’ dignity is crushed,” the memo stated.
The Congress outlined three major demands:
- Respect for workers’ right to freely join unions.
- An end to intimidation and victimisation of staff.
- Full compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions.
To enforce its directive, the NLC instructed affiliate unions to establish Action Mobilisation Committees within 72 hours and coordinate strategy with the national secretariat.
The union also accused regulatory bodies of failing to check Dangote’s alleged impunity, insisting that only collective resistance by organised labour could protect Nigerian workers.
“The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built the Dangote empire; we will not allow it to become a monument to their oppression,” the NLC warned.
With this mobilisation order, tension is expected to rise as organised labour prepares for a nationwide showdown with Africa’s biggest industrial group.
