The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused Dangote Refinery of terminating the employment of over 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with more than 2,000 Indian nationals.
PENGASSAN described the move as “unjust” and a violation of Nigeria’s labor laws, citing Section 7 of the Labour Act, which prohibits discrimination and ensures the right to fair treatment in the workplace.
According to PENGASSAN, the refinery’s action undermines the welfare of Nigerian workers and the integrity of the country’s labor system. “The mass termination of our members without due consultation or transparent justification is a direct contravention of the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria,” the union stated. PENGASSAN has issued an ultimatum to the refinery to reinstate all sacked staff, warning that failure to comply will lead to exploring all sections of the Nigerian Constitution and relevant labor laws.
The union alleges that the refinery replaced the sacked workers with over 2,000 Indian nationals, many of whom lack valid immigration documentation. “This action not only violates Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), which guarantees workers the right to freedom of association, but also undermines the welfare of Nigerian workers,” PENGASSAN added.
Dangote Refinery denies mass layoffs, stating that over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work at the facility despite an ongoing reorganization. The management explains that only a small number of staff were affected by the restructuring, which aimed to address sabotage and strengthen operations. “We are committed to ensuring that our operations are efficient and effective,” the refinery stated.
The dispute may escalate into a significant industrial dispute, given the size of the refinery and its role in the national economy. The controversy highlights the need for companies to ensure compliance with labor laws and regulations to avoid conflicts with unions and workers. “We will not stand idly by while our members’ rights are being trampled upon,” PENGASSAN warned.
As the situation unfolds, stakeholders are watching closely to see how the refinery will respond to PENGASSAN’s demands. The union’s ultimatum has put pressure on the refinery to take immediate action to resolve the dispute. “We expect the refinery to take immediate action to reinstate our members and review its employment practices,” PENGASSAN emphasized.
