By Auwal Sani
In the unfolding drama at Dangote Refinery, where workers were reportedly expelled for joining a labour union, one cannot help but question the wisdom behind such a move. While Aliko Dangote is celebrated for his business acumen and resilience, his current approach to labour relations appears to lack strategic finesse.
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It is unwise to counter force with force, especially when the law clearly supports the right of workers to freely associate. In a nation whose constitution and labour laws protect union membership, confronting the union head-on is neither sustainable nor smart.
Given Dangote’s long history of overcoming formidable challenges in business, one would expect that building a working relationship with the union should not be an impossible task. Yet, his current strategy suggests otherwise. If he truly desires seamless operations at his refinery, he must rethink his approach: outmaneuver the union through persuasion, align their interests with his vision, and, where necessary, seek legal reforms rather than outright confrontation.
A more subtle path could have been to let the union enjoy its initial momentum, then gradually cultivate a parallel or alternative faction—similar to how groups like NARTO and RTEAN emerged from the dominance of NURTW. This would have allowed Dangote to maintain influence without sparking such negative headlines.
The truth is, there were multiple options available such as quiet negotiation, strategic engagement, even silent co-option that would have avoided this public clash. But perhaps Dangote’s experience in dealing with educated elites, government officials, and corporate rivals did not prepare him for the dynamics of labour politics, where emotion, solidarity, and external sponsorship often play decisive roles. It is high time he recognizes the nature of the forces he now contends with.
Above all, Dangote must remember that freedom of association is a fundamental human right. By expelling workers for unionizing, he risks violating not only national labour laws but also international standards. Beyond the legal implications, such actions can erode his public image and strain industrial harmony within his refinery.
In the end, wisdom demands dialogue, not dominance. A visionary industrialist should seek to win hearts, not wage wars.
Auwal Sani is a Public Relations scholar and media strategist. He lectures in the Department of Development and Strategic Communication, University of Abuja, and serves as the PR Manager at Ayrah Media Concept.
