By Abubakar Yunusa
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has threatened to mobilise a nationwide strike over the alleged dismissal of workers who joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
TUC, in a statement signed by its Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, described the sackings as a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and a breach of the country’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions.
“We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with PENGASSAN,” Toro said on Saturday.
The union demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all sacked workers, a public apology from the refinery’s management, and assurances against future victimisation.
Toro also called on the Ministry of Labour, the ILO, and other stakeholders to conduct an independent investigation into the matter.
He warned that all TUC affiliates had been placed on red alert for a possible nationwide industrial action, insisting no company was above the law.
PENGASSAN, on its part, accused Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices, alleging that over 800 Nigerian workers were sacked and replaced with more than 2,000 foreign nationals.
The association ordered an immediate nationwide shutdown, directing members to cut off gas and crude supply to the refinery and halt all operations.
“All control room, panel, and outfield operations must stop without delay,” a statement by PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, read.
The union vowed not to resume work until the dismissed workers were reinstated, declaring that “an injury to one is an injury to all.”
But Dangote Refinery defended its actions, saying the reorganisation was necessary to “prevent sabotage and ensure safety” and was aimed at improving operational efficiency.
The company described PENGASSAN’s shutdown directive as “criminal” and a “path to chaos,” arguing that the union had no legal authority to disrupt gas and crude supplies.
It accused the union of economic sabotage, warning that the strike could disrupt the supply of aviation fuel, petrol, diesel, and cooking gas, and affect government revenue.
“Dangote Refinery remains committed to labour rights, including the freedom of workers to decide on union membership,” the company said, urging the Federal Government to intervene.
This is not the first time Dangote Refinery has been at loggerheads with labour unions. The company has also clashed with the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in the past.
