The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has issued an ultimatum to the management of Dangote Refinery, demanding the recall of over 800 Nigerian workers who were allegedly sacked and replaced with foreign nationals. In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, condemned the action as a breach of Nigeria’s labour laws and a violation of workers’ rights.

According to PENGASSAN, the refinery had earlier denied entry to workers who joined the union, withdrawn transportation services, and subsequently issued a mass termination notice. The union claims that the refinery has engaged over 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom allegedly lack valid immigration documentation, to take over the jobs of the terminated Nigerians. PENGASSAN describes this move as “anti-labour” and a clear breach of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act.

The association has stressed that Nigerian workers must be accorded dignity and respect, and that the termination of their employment without just cause will not be tolerated. PENGASSAN has urged the management of Dangote Refinery to recall all terminated Nigerian workers, warning that failure to comply will lead to the activation of all legal options available under the Constitution and relevant labour laws.

An emergency National Executive Council meeting has been scheduled to decide the next course of action, with the union calling on Nigerians to support the struggle. The issue highlights concerns about labour practices and the protection of workers’ rights in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The use of foreign workers in place of local employees has raised questions about the industry’s commitment to promoting Nigerian content and adhering to labour laws.

The Dangote Refinery, one of the largest oil refineries in Africa, has been a significant project in Nigeria’s efforts to boost domestic oil production and reduce reliance on imported fuel. However, the controversy surrounding the termination of Nigerian workers and the alleged replacement with foreign nationals has sparked concerns about the project’s impact on local employment and the economy. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the management of Dangote Refinery will respond to PENGASSAN’s ultimatum and the concerns raised by the union.