The year 2025 saw organised labour in Nigeria dominate national economic and policy discussions, using strikes, protests, and negotiations to assert workers’ rights and influence public affairs.
Key Highlights:
- Dangote Refinery Dispute
- PENGASSAN and NUPENG clashed with Dangote Petroleum Refinery over union rights and staff layoffs.
- PENGASSAN’s strike cut crude supply, reportedly reducing Nigeria’s daily oil output by 16%, affecting power and port operations.
- Federal mediation led to reinstatement of workers, formal recognition of unions, and suspension of strikes.
- University and Educational Sector Action
- NASU, SSANU, and ASUU issued ultimatums and warning strikes over unpaid entitlements and delayed agreements.
- Nationwide protests and strikes disrupted academic activities.
- By late December 2025, a renegotiated ASUU agreement was reached, effective January 1, 2026.
- NLC Anti-Insecurity Protest
- The Nigeria Labour Congress staged nationwide protests on December 17, demanding government action against worsening insecurity, including banditry and kidnappings.
- Demonstrations occurred in Abuja, Lagos, Bauchi, and other states, highlighting the social and economic impact of insecurity.
Takeaway:
2025 reinforced the power and influence of organised labour in Nigeria, showing its critical role in shaping industrial operations, public policy, and national socio-economic stability amid challenges like energy security, education funding, and insecurity.
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