The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has condemned the dismissal of over 800 workers by the management of Dangote Petrochemical Refinery, demanding their immediate reinstatement and a public apology.
TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, described the action as a gross violation of workers’ constitutional rights.
“The Dangote and PENGASSAN rift concerns the TUC because PENGASSAN is our affiliate. You can’t beat a child and expect the father to stay aloof. We demand the reversal of the arbitrary dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote. After that, we want a public apology with assurances that such won’t be used against the union again,” Toro stated.
The dispute follows a nationwide strike by PENGASSAN on Monday, which disrupted operations at major oil and gas regulatory institutions. The union accused Dangote of targeting employees who joined its ranks, contrary to labour laws and International Labour Organisation conventions.
Dangote management, however, denied carrying out mass dismissals and alleged sabotage by the union. Toro dismissed this claim, insisting the real issue was workers’ right to unionise.
“Unionisation is a right, and workers in Dangote have the freedom to belong to PENGASSAN. For Dangote to hide under the guise of sabotage is debatable. If sabotage is alleged, it must be proven with evidence,” he argued.
Toro further accused the refinery of breaching an agreement reached at a September 8 meeting convened by the Ministry of Labour, where management pledged that no worker would be victimised.
He also raised concerns over alleged discriminatory practices, claiming Nigerian staff were being treated unfairly compared to Indian expatriates at the facility.
“This is nothing but economic oppression in modern-day slavery. Dangote enjoys massive state support and goodwill but turns around to deny Nigerians their fundamental rights while giving preferential treatment to expatriates,” Toro said.
He urged the refinery to respect its workforce, stressing that labour unions had supported Dangote in its early operational challenges.
“Workers are the backbone of this nation. Dangote should respect their rights, reinstate the sacked employees, and allow them to join the union of their choice. We are ready to shift grounds in the interest of Nigerians,” Toro concluded.