PENGASSAN, TUC Demand Recall of Over 800 Sacked Dangote Refinery Workers

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) have accused the management of Dangote Refinery of violating workers’ rights through mass dismissals linked to union membership.

Chairman of TUC in Oyo State, Bosun Olabiyi, in a statement at the weekend, alleged that more than 800 employees were sacked shortly after joining PENGASSAN, under the pretext of a reorganisation exercise.

He described the move as a deliberate attempt to undermine freedom of association, stressing that Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and provisions of the Labour Act guarantee workers’ rights to unionise and require employers to remit union dues once employees subscribe.

“Dangote’s $20 billion investment is huge, but it does not give him the right to trample on constitutional and labour rights. The right to collective bargaining is non-negotiable,” Olabiyi said.

The labour leader also criticised what he called “unfair labour practices” at the refinery, including poor wages, hazardous working conditions without adequate compensation, and the marginalisation of Nigerians in key management positions in favour of expatriates.

He urged the Federal Government to intervene, warning that continued disregard for workers’ rights could provoke unrest in the oil and gas sector.

“Dangote must recall all sacked workers and embrace genuine dialogue. Any employer who undermines established laws is an enemy of the nation,” he declared.

Olabiyi further called on Nigerians to resist any attempt by individuals or organisations to place themselves above the law.