Nigerian oil union's nationwide strike threatens to halt oil supply

Nationwide Strike Affects Oil Supply in Nigeria

Government representatives are currently in discussions with oil union leaders following a nationwide strike triggered by the dismissal of 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery, the largest in Africa.

The union has labeled the mass layoffs as a violation of labor laws and international conventions. As a result, operations at key oil and gas institutions have been disrupted, impacting Nigeria's economy, which relies on oil for 80% of its revenue.

Former employees have reported a lack of basic safety equipment during their tenure. The Dangote Group, however, cites "sabotage" as the reason for the layoffs and has dismissed the strike as "criminal conduct."

The refinery, valued at $20 billion, was inaugurated in 2023 by entrepreneur Aliko Dangote with the intent to reduce Nigeria's reliance on foreign refineries. Currently, it is at the center of increasing tensions in the country's oil sector.

Based on reporting by Africanews.