A labor dispute is unfolding in Nigeria’s oil sector, as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to shut down the Dangote Refinery over the mass dismissal of workers. The refinery, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, recently sacked over 800 Nigerian employees shortly after they joined the union. This move has sparked concerns about potential fuel price hikes if the situation is not resolved.

According to PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union will explore all available options to address the issue if the refinery’s management fails to recall the sacked workers. The Dangote Group, in a statement, confirmed the dismissals, citing the need to protect the refinery from “repeated acts of sabotage.” However, the company did not provide details on the exact number of staff affected or the nature of the alleged sabotage.

The sacked workers have come forward with allegations of victimization, claiming they were targeted for voluntarily joining a union, as permitted by Nigeria’s Constitution. Furthermore, PENGASSAN has accused the Dangote Refinery of replacing the dismissed Nigerian workers with approximately 2,000 Indian employees. The union has convened an emergency National Executive Council meeting to determine the best course of action to reverse the refinery’s decision.

The potential shutdown of the Dangote Refinery could have significant implications for Nigeria’s oil sector and the country’s economy. As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved and what impact it may have on fuel prices. PENGASSAN’s actions are aimed at protecting the rights of Nigerian workers and ensuring that the country’s labor laws are upheld. The union’s efforts to address the issue may involve negotiations with the refinery’s management, as well as potential industrial action.