The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is seeking a public apology from the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery for the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers. According to TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro, the refinery violated the workers’ constitutional rights by dismissing them without justification. The TUC is demanding the reversal of the dismissals and a public apology from the refinery management.

The dispute between the refinery and the Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) began over unionization issues. Toro stated that the refinery has avoided addressing the core issue of workers’ right to belong to a union of their choice. He alleged that the refinery management has been operating with double standards, treating Nigerian workers differently from Indian expatriates.

Toro emphasized that unionization is a fundamental right, and workers at the Dangote Refinery have chosen to belong to PENGASSAN. He claimed that the refinery’s actions are a form of “economic oppression” and “modern-day slavery.” The TUC is calling on the refinery to respect the rights of the dismissed workers and allow them to belong to the union of their choice.

The TUC secretary general also noted that the organization has supported Aliko Dangote in the past when he faced challenges in establishing the refinery. He dismissed the notion that the workers are not patriotic Nigerians, stating that they are resisting alleged slavery by the refinery. Toro emphasized that the TUC will not accept slave labor and will fight for the rights of Nigerian workers.

The dispute between the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN has led to a nationwide strike, with the TUC throwing its weight behind the striking workers. The TUC is seeking a resolution to the dispute, with Toro calling on the refinery to respect the rights of the workers and reinstate those who were dismissed. The outcome of this dispute will have significant implications for labor relations in Nigeria and the rights of workers in the country.