The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) is demanding a public apology from the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery after more than 800 Nigerian workers were dismissed. TUC Secretary‑General Nuhu Toro says the refinery violated the workers’ constitutional rights by terminating them without justification. The union is calling for the dismissals to be reversed and for the refinery’s management to issue a public apology.
The dispute began with the Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over unionisation issues. Toro alleges that the refinery has avoided addressing the core matter of workers’ right to belong to a union of their choice, operating with double standards that treat Nigerian employees differently from Indian expatriates. He stresses that unionisation is a fundamental right and that the Dangote workers have chosen to join PENGASSAN.
Toro characterises the refinery’s actions as “economic oppression” and “modern‑day slavery,” urging the company to respect the dismissed workers’ right to unionise and to reinstate them. He also notes that the TUC previously supported Aliko Dangote when he faced challenges establishing the refinery, and he rejects claims that the workers are unpatriotic, describing them instead as resisting alleged slavery.
The conflict has sparked a nationwide strike, with the TUC backing the striking workers. Toro reiterates that the TUC will not accept slave labour and will continue to fight for the rights of Nigerian workers. The resolution of this dispute will have significant implications for labour relations and workers’ rights across Nigeria.
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