The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has warned it could mobilise a nationwide strike over what it described as “anti-worker” policies being carried out by the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a statement on Sunday, September 28, signed by its General Secretary, Dr Nuhu Toro, the union said it had placed its members on strike notice, demanding the immediate reinstatement of sacked workers and a public apology from the refinery.
“The TUC strongly condemns the recent anti-worker actions of the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, particularly the unjust termination of workers for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association and unionisation,” the statement read.
“We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers and with their union, our affiliate PENGASSAN, whose members have been victimised merely for declaring membership.
“Such actions amount to a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and on Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions.”
The TUC demanded “immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all affected workers; public apology from Dangote management with firm assurances against future victimisation; an independent investigation involving the Ministry of Labour, ILO and stakeholders into the refinery’s labour practices.”
It added, “Congress hereby places all affiliates on stand-by for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands within a reasonable time.
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“No corporation, regardless of size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers. The TUC stands united and ready to act decisively in defence of our members and the Nigerian workforce.”
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has also ordered its members nationwide to withdraw their services.
In a circular issued after an emergency NEC meeting on Saturday, September 27, signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused Dangote refinery of dismissing over 800 workers for joining the association, while replacing them with “over 2,000 Indians.”
PENGASSAN described the action as “an affront to all workers in Nigeria” and said the matter was one of “urgent national importance.”
The conflict started after Dangote refinery, in a letter dated September 24, ordered the dismissal of some staff over alleged sabotage it claimed threatened operations at the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant.
Management has since denied reports of a mass sacking, insisting it was only carrying out an internal reorganisation to improve efficiency and that most of its workforce remains Nigerian.
Industry observers warn that if PENGASSAN’s directive is fully enforced, it could disrupt operations at the refinery and affect downstream supply chains across the country.