Nigeria’s 65th anniversary is being marked with subdued celebrations. The federal government on Monday cancelled all major events, including the traditional national day parade, as the nation faces the potential for widespread strike action by labour unions.

Same day, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) directed its affiliate unions to fully mobilise in preparation for a nationwide strike, citing the Dangote Group’s alleged non-compliance with labour laws and actions perceived as detrimental to workers’ interests.

The federal government on Monday intervened in the dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the alleged dismissal of more than 800 workers. The meeting was yet to arrive at a resolution, Monday night.

There will be no Independence Day parade, and the government, in a statement, said, “The cancellation is in no way a diminishment of the significance of this milestone anniversary, and the government remains committed to celebrating Nigeria’s 65th year of independence with dignity and enthusiasm.

“Accordingly, all other programmes slated for the Independence Anniversary will remain in effect.

“The Government deeply regrets any inconvenience caused by this cancellation.

‘The Federal Government appreciates the understanding, support and cooperation of all Nigerians, members of the diplomatic community, and guests, and urges Nigerians to support the reforms of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, GCFR, in making Nigeria a greater nation”

The statement was signed by Segun Imohiosen, Director, Information & Public Relations, Office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation.

After the inauguration of the 44th Olubadan, Oba Rasheed Adewolu Ladoja, which was attended by President Bola Tinubu, it was announced that the President would return to Lagos where he was expected to celebrate the Independence.

Labour on its part issued a memo stating that disputes with PENGASSAN and NUPENG signal a deeper issue: the Group’s alleged anti-labour policies, for the rule of law. The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, has directed full-scale mobilisation of its affiliate unions for a nationwide strike against what it described as the Dangote Group’s “deliberate anti-worker crusade” and disregard for Nigeria’s labour laws.

The directive, issued in an internal memo signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on September 29, 2025, said the time for “pleading and fruitless dialogue” with the conglomerate was over and that the moment had come for “decisive, collective action.”

PENGASSAN, led by its president, Festus Osifo, said Dangote Refinery’s action breached Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and International Labour Organisation conventions.

Dangote refinery, however, denied any wrongdoing. It explained that the disengagement of workers was part of an internal reorganisation to curb sabotage, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency.

Industrial Court Restrains PENGASSAN

The National Industrial Court in Abuja had earlier restrained PENGASSAN from embarking on a nationwide strike.

But the PENGASSAN has vowed to continue its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery, despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court.

In a memo signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union dismissed reports of a valid court injunction halting its action. “Our attention has been drawn to rumours making the rounds on a Court injunction restraining our noble exercise.

“I want to unequivocally state that we have not been served anything of such. Court orders or processes are served via court bailiff and not through social media,” the memo stated.

He admonished all comrades to continue the strike until further notice and warned that only official communication channels should be trusted.

“All comrades are therefore directed to continue with the industrial action until further instruction. Only information coming through our official channels should be regarded as authentic,” the association noted.

Okugbawa appreciated his members for their resolve, adding, “We have just begun, and victory is in sight.”

ASUU Issues 14-Day Ultimatum to Commence Nationwide Strike

In another development, the Academic Staff Union of Universities has issued a notice of strike action. Ahead of its planned industrial action, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government of Nigeria.

The union announced the decision following a National Executive Council meeting held on Sunday at the University of Abuja.

In a notice of strike action signed by the National president of ASUU, Chris Piwuna, the union decried the neglect of the university system and the government’s consistent refusal to heed to its demands.

“Apart from engagement with the press, in August 2025, members of the Academic Staff Union of Universities in both federal and state universities held rallies, carrying placards, on their campuses to press the government to address the lingering issues in the university system.

“Nothing came out of all these rallies and pleas. What is clear for now is that both the federal and state governments have a strong habit of paying little or no attention to the education sector in general and the welfare of university academics in particular,” ASUU stated.

It, however, stated that if at the end of the 14-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike.

“If at the end of the 14-day ultimatum, the Federal Government fails to address these issues, the union may have no option but to, first, embark on a two-week warning strike and thereafter, a total and indefinite strike.

“For the benefit of the doubt, they (the issues) include the following: re-negotiation of the 2009 ASUU-FGN agreement, sustainable funding of our universities, revitalisation of universities, victimisation of our colleges in LASU, KSU (now Prince Abubakar Audu University), and FUTO,” the union stated.

The various industrial actions by the labour unions could adversely affect the advertised improvements in the economy based on the government’s reform efforts.

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