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 warned that it would not hesitate to call a national strike if its demands were ignored, supporting PENGASSAN’s claim that the dismissals constitute “a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution” and breach Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions. The union demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all dismissed employees, a public apology from the refinery’s management, and assurances that no further victimisation would occur.
Nuhu Toro, Secretary General of the TUC, urged the Ministry of Labour, the ILO and other 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 has 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.” In response, the association ordered a total shutdown, directing members to cut off gas and crude supply to the refinery with immediate effect. PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa called the move “an affront to all workers in Nigeria,” saying the refinery chose “misinformation and propaganda” over constructive dialogue with the union.
Dangote Refinery defended the recent reorganisation that led to staff dismissals, saying it was necessary “to prevent sabotage and ensure safety.” The company argued that the decision was not arbitrary but aimed at protecting operations and “boosting efficiency across refinery units.” It criticised PENGASSAN’s directive as a “brazen display of lawlessness and criminality,” noting that no law grants the union the right to cut off gas and crude oil supplies.
The dispute is part of a broader pattern of labour conflicts involving Dangote Refinery, which has recently faced challenges from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG). The refinery’s significance to the Nigerian economy—being one of the largest contributors to national and state revenues—means the outcome will have far‑reaching implications for labour rights and industrial relations in the country. The refinery has called for Federal Government intervention to stop what it describes as “reckless and irresponsible conduct” by PENGASSAN, and the resolution of this conflict will be closely watched.
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