Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)
Solidarity Statement on the PENGASSAN–Dangote Refineries Face-Off
The Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN) stands in full solidarity with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in its ongoing struggle with the management of Dangote Refinery over unfair labour practices, poor working conditions, and the violation of workers’ rights.
It is unacceptable that in 2025, a company as prominent and with huge profits as Dangote Group continues to disregard the fundamental rights of workers—rights that are enshrined in both Nigerian labour law and international conventions. Reports of anti-union actions, refusal to recognize legitimate demands, and exploitative conditions within the Dangote Refinery are a direct attack on the dignity of labour and the broader struggle for decent work in Nigeria. It is entrenched in Article 20 of the UDHR, Article 21 and 22 of the ICCPR and S.40 of the 1999 constitution which states:
Every person shall be entitled to assemble freely and associate with other persons, and in particular, he may form or belong to any political party, trade union or any other association for the protection of his interests.
We condemn in the strongest terms any form of union-busting, intimidation, or retaliation against workers who organize to defend their rights. The right to organise, negotiate collectively, and work in safe, fair conditions is non-negotiable.
We demand that Dangote Refinery immediately reinstate all workers who were unjustly terminated for exercising their right to freedom of association and unionization.
We demand that the government intervenes and protects workers’ rights, ensuring that employers do not break the law.
The refusal of the Dangote company to accept the just demands by the workers could lead to fuel scarcity, affecting essential services and the economy.
We stand in solidarity with PENGASSAN and all workers fighting for their rights. We believe that unions and workers should join the struggle for basic rights, supporting the PENGASSAN strikes and actions, forming a mighty force of resistance.
We also call on youth and civil society organizations to join us in this fight. Let’s stand together and demand that Dangote Refinery respects workers’ rights. This is not just a battle for oil and gas workers—it is part of the broader fight against exploitation, inequality, and corporate impunity.
We fight to end capitalist greed which destroys lives, the environment and the economy. We put forward the demand to nationalize the energy sector under workers and community control and management, as the only way to have workers rights as well as production run in the interest of society and not the profits of the few.
An injury to one is an injury to all.
Solidarity forever!
Workers and Youth Solidarity Network (WYSN)
