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 more than 800 Nigerian workers who were allegedly dismissed and replaced by foreign nationals. In a statement released on Friday in Abuja, PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa condemned the action as a breach of Nigeria’s labour laws and a violation of workers’ rights.
According to the union, the refinery first denied entry to workers who joined the union, withdrew transportation services and then issued a mass termination notice. PENGASSAN claims the refinery has hired over 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom allegedly lack valid immigration documentation, to take over the jobs of the terminated Nigerians. The association describes this move as “anti‑labour” and a clear breach of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act.
PENGASSAN stresses that Nigerian workers must be accorded dignity and respect, and that termination without just cause will not be tolerated. The union has urged Dangote Refinery’s management to recall all terminated Nigerian workers, warning that failure to comply will trigger 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, and the union is 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 raises questions about the industry’s commitment to promoting Nigerian content and adhering to labour laws. Dangote Refinery, one of the largest oil refineries in Africa, is a key project in Nigeria’s effort to boost domestic oil production and reduce reliance on imported fuel. However, the controversy over the termination of Nigerian workers and their 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 Dangote Refinery’s management will respond to PENGASSAN’s ultimatum and the union’s concerns.
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