The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned Dangote Petroleum Refinery for allegedly dismissing workers who joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The TUC stated that it would not hesitate to call a national strike if its demands were ignored, backing PENGASSAN’s claim that the dismissal action was “a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution” and breached Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
The TUC demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all dismissed employees and requested a public apology from the refinery’s management with assurances against future victimisation. Nuhu Toro, the Secretary General of the TUC, urged the Ministry of Labour, the ILO, and stakeholders to launch an independent investigation into the matter. He warned that all affiliates had been placed on red alert for possible national industrial action, stating that “no corporation, regardless of size, will be allowed to trample on workers’ rights.”
PENGASSAN had accused Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices and unfair treatment of Nigerian workers, alleging that the refinery “unjustly terminated over 800 Nigerian workers” and replaced them with “over 2,000 Indians.” The association ordered a total shutdown, directing members to cut off gas and crude supply to the refinery with immediate effect. PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, described the move as “an affront to all workers in Nigeria,” stating that the refinery chose “misinformation and propaganda” instead of constructive dialogue with the union.
Dangote Refinery responded by saying that the recent reorganisation, which led to staff dismissals, was necessary “to prevent sabotage and ensure safety.” The company explained that the decision was “not arbitrary” but aimed at protecting operations and “boosting efficiency across refinery units.” However, PENGASSAN’s directive was criticised by the refinery as a “brazen display of lawlessness and criminality,” arguing that no law grants the union the right to cut off gas and crude oil supplies.
The dispute between Dangote Refinery and labour unions is not new, as the company has recently faced disputes with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The current situation has significant implications for the Nigerian economy, with the refinery being one of the largest contributors to national and state revenues. The Federal Government’s intervention has been urged by the refinery to stop what it called “reckless and irresponsible conduct” by PENGASSAN. The outcome of this dispute will be closely watched, as it may have far-reaching consequences for labour rights and industrial relations in Nigeria.
