The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has strongly condemned what it described as “anti-labour practices” at the Dangote Refinery, following the reported dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers and their replacement with foreign nationals.
In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, the association expressed outrage over the sackings, alleging that the refinery has engaged more than 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom were said to lack valid immigration documentation.
PENGASSAN said the action not only undermines the livelihoods of Nigerian workers but also contravenes provisions of the Labour Act, which prohibits discrimination and guarantees fair treatment in the workplace.
“The dismissal of such a significant number of Nigerian workers without due consultation or transparent justification contravenes the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria,” the union stated.
It also linked the sackings to the recent organisation of the affected workers under PENGASSAN, describing the move as a violation of the Trade Union Act which protects workers’ rights to unionise.
“The sacrifice and talents of our workforce deserve respect, and we demand accountability from employers who possess a social responsibility to the communities they operate in,” the statement read.
The union further accused the Dangote Group of a “relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of local talent, ethical employment practices, and community welfare,” alleging that exploitative practices have been recorded in other sectors where the company operates.
PENGASSAN has now demanded the immediate reinstatement of all the sacked workers, warning that failure to comply would force the union to invoke provisions of the Nigerian Constitution and relevant labour laws.
The association disclosed that it has scheduled an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide on further actions. It also called on Nigerians to support the cause, warning that “this slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not be tolerated or supported, as injury to one is injury to all.”
As at press time, management of the Dangote Refinery was yet to respond to the allegations.