PENGASSAN and TUC accuse Dangote refinery of violating labor rights, and call for government intervention and fair treatment for all the firm’s workers.
Two major Nigerian labor unions are demanding the reinstatement of more than 800 workers dismissed by Dangote Refinery, accusing the company of violating their right to unionize.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) say the mass layoffs came shortly after the affected workers confirmed their membership with PENGASSAN. The refinery, a $20 billion facility and Africa’s largest single-train refinery, is a flagship project of the Dangote Group.
Bosun Olabiyi, TUC Chairman in Oyo State, said over the weekend that the dismissals were disguised as part of a “reorganization exercise” but were in fact retaliation against employees seeking to exercise their constitutional rights.
“Investment scale does not give any employer the license to trample on labor rights,” Olabiyi said. “Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution guarantees freedom of association, and the Labor Act requires employers to remit union dues for willing workers. This is non-negotiable.”
Read Also: PENGASSAN Strikes Shut Down Major Oil Production In Nigeria
Olabiyi also criticized what he described as “unfair labor practices” at the refinery, alleging that some senior employees earn less than ₦150,000 ($100) per month despite working in hazardous conditions. He said several workplace fatalities had gone uncompensated, deepening concerns about employee welfare.
He further questioned the refinery’s management structure, claiming that Nigerians have been excluded from key leadership roles in favor of expatriates. “International oil companies such as Total, Chevron, Mobil, and Shell employ Nigerians in leadership positions while operating profitably. Dangote should be no different,” he argued.
The unions have warned that continued disregard for workers’ rights could trigger unrest across Nigeria’s vital oil and gas sector. They are urging President Bola Tinubu’s administration to intervene as part of its Renewed Hope Agenda.
“Dangote must recall all sacked workers and open the door for genuine dialogue,” Olabiyi said, warning that “any employer attempting to sabotage established laws is an enemy of the nation.”
Both unions have vowed to escalate their campaign if the dismissals are not reversed, calling on Nigerians to resist any attempt to place corporate interests above constitutional and labor protections.
