“No One Is Above the Law — Not Even Dangote,” NLC Hits Back at Shettima
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has fiercely responded to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s comments defending the Dangote Group, insisting that no corporation—no matter how powerful or strategically important—stands above the nation’s labour laws.
PulseNets learnt that the labour body issued the statement on Tuesday in commemoration of World Decent Work Day, describing Shettima’s remarks as “a national embarrassment” that signals how wealth and political influence can attempt to override the lawful rights of Nigerian workers.
According to the NLC President, Joe Ajaero, the Dangote Group has repeatedly violated the constitutional and international rights of its employees to freedom of association and union membership, as enshrined in Nigeria’s Labour Act and key International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
Ajaero told PulseNets that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) was merely protecting its members from exploitation and intimidation — not acting against the national interest, as the Vice President claimed.
“Let it be clearly understood,” Ajaero said, “no individual, company, or institution—no matter how big, ‘strategic,’ or politically connected—has the right to operate outside Nigeria’s labour laws. If Dangote Refinery is granted immunity above the law, then the government must be ready to face the social and industrial storm that will follow. There can be no peace without justice.”
PulseNets obtained reports indicating that the controversy erupted after nearly 800 workers were allegedly dismissed from the $20 billion Dangote Refinery for joining PENGASSAN—a move that triggered nationwide outrage among labour unions.
Vice President Shettima, while addressing journalists earlier, reportedly described the development as a “minor industrial matter,” urging labour leaders to avoid actions that could undermine a project considered vital to Nigeria’s economic revival. He also praised Aliko Dangote for his contributions to national development and appealed for calm among all parties.
But Ajaero, in a firm rebuttal, spoke to PulseNets, stressing that defending such actions only weakens Nigeria’s labour institutions and emboldens corporations to continue trampling on workers’ rights.
“When public officials defend corporate misconduct,” Ajaero warned, “they erode the very foundations of justice that keep our democracy stable. Labour laws exist for everyone — and no amount of wealth or political privilege should change that.”
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The NLC’s position, PulseNets reported, underscores growing tension between the labour movement and major corporate players over compliance with workers’ rights, especially in Nigeria’s emerging industrial sectors.
