The NLC Lagos Dangote unionisation debate is gaining momentum as the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Lagos State Chapter calls on Dangote Industries Ltd. to allow its employees to join workers’ unions. The union believes that this step will protect workers’ rights, improve welfare, and ensure fair labour practices within the company’s operations.
During a tour of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Dangote Fertiliser Plant by members of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria and NLC Lagos officials, Chairperson Mrs Funmi Sesi made the appeal, speaking on behalf of NLC President Comrade Joe Ajaero.
“On behalf of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, we want to say: Dangote, please give us a chance to unionise your workers,” Sesi said.
She also urged Dangote Industries to employ more indigenes from its host communities, reminding the company that labour law requires 70% of the workforce to be from an organisation’s catchment area, with 30% as expatriates.
In response, Mr Devakumar Edwin, Vice President, Oil and Gas at Dangote Industries, stated that the company remains committed to training and employing local talent. He revealed that Dangote already operates a training centre in Obajana, Kogi State, and is planning another in Lagos to develop skills and boost employment opportunities.
Edwin also emphasised that the Dangote Group has become a “nurturing ground” for Nigerian engineers, scientists, and technicians, many of whom have gone on to work as expatriates globally.
The ongoing NLC Lagos Dangote unionisation discussion highlights the growing importance of balancing corporate growth with workers’ rights and local community inclusion in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
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