A coalition of Nigerian leaders including Bishop Kukah, Sanusi II, and Aisha Yesufu has proposed long-term measures to prevent future refinery disputes, urging dialogue, transparency, and institutional oversight.
A coalition of prominent Nigerians has outlined a series of long-term measures to prevent future industrial disputes in Nigeria’s refining sector, following the recent labour crisis at the Dangote Refinery.
In a joint statement signed by respected national figures including Bishop Matthew Kukah, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Atedo Peterside, Arunma Oteh, and Aisha Yesufu, the group commended the Federal Government, labour unions, and the Dangote Group for resolving the refinery dispute through dialogue rather than confrontation.
They urged that the peaceful resolution serve as a model for managing future industrial relations in Nigeria’s energy and manufacturing sectors.
Promoting Constructive Dialogue Between Labour and Management
The signatories emphasised that structured dialogue remains the cornerstone of sustainable industrial harmony. While reaffirming workers’ constitutional right to organise and demand fair treatment, they cautioned against industrial actions that could destabilise strategic national assets.
They called on both labour and management to institutionalise negotiation frameworks that balance fairness with productivity, ensuring mutual respect and economic stability.
Strengthening Regulatory Oversight Through Institutions
Addressing public concerns about monopoly or market dominance, the coalition advised that such issues be handled through established statutory bodies like the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) rather than through strikes.
The signatories noted that the FCCPC is legally mandated to assess competition and pricing issues, ensuring fair play within the refining sector.
Fostering Transparency and Social Responsibility
The coalition further called on major investors to operate with transparency and uphold strong social responsibility standards. They urged enterprises of Dangote Refinery’s scale to maintain fair labour practices, reinvest in host communities, and uphold ethical business conduct.
Safeguarding Investor Confidence
Highlighting the refinery’s economic impact, the signatories noted that petrol prices in some parts of the country have dropped by as much as 55 percent, from around N1,500 per litre to about N820, easing the burden on households and businesses.
They warned that persistent industrial disruptions could erode investor confidence at a time when Nigeria urgently needs private capital and innovation to stimulate growth.
The coalition urged all stakeholders to prioritise dialogue, transparency, and institutional accountability as the foundation for a stable and competitive refining industry.
Building a Future Anchored in Productivity and Fairness
The group described the Dangote Refinery as a “national lifeline” and a symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve in driving economic transformation.
They urged Nigerians to view the refinery episode as a broader lesson about the nation’s economic direction.
The coalition called on the government, private sector, and civil society to collaborate in fostering a productive economy that rewards innovation and transparency, rather than dependency on imports or subsidies.
