Dangote Sacks 800+ Workers, Nationwide Strike Halts Oil

Dangote Petroleum Refinery dismissed more than 800 workers after they joined unions, prompting PENGASSAN to accuse the company of violating labour laws while the refinery said the sackings were necessary over alleged sabotage. PENGASSAN ordered a nationwide strike that has halted operations at NNPC Limited, the NUPRC and the NMDPRA and threatens interruptions to crude and gas supplies and downstream distribution. The federal government has convened talks in Abuja with the union to try to defuse a shutdown of crude production and wider industry paralysis. The Trade Union Congress and senior figures including ex-lawmaker Shehu Sani have demanded reinstatement and a public apology while urging restraint to avoid economic harm. Dangote defended the dismissals as safety and efficiency measures, but analysts warn the dispute risks undermining investor confidence and raises broader questions about labour protections in Nigeria’s oil sector.