The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has voiced strong opposition to the recent dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian employees by Dangote Refinery, describing the action as unfair and unjustified.
According to the union, these terminated Nigerian workers have been replaced by over 2,000 Indian nationals, many of whom reportedly do not possess valid immigration permits.
This concern was formally communicated in a statement released on Friday by PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa.
The union highlighted that Dangote Refinery’s decision not only jeopardizes the economic well-being of Nigerian workers but also calls into question the company’s adherence to Nigeria’s Labour Act and ethical labor standards.
PENGASSAN has issued a firm ultimatum demanding the reinstatement of all dismissed Nigerian staff. The association warned that failure to comply would compel it to pursue all available legal remedies under the Nigerian Constitution and labor legislation.
The statement emphasized: “The leadership of PENGASSAN is profoundly disturbed by the recent labor violations committed by Dangote Refinery. The abrupt termination of over 800 Nigerian employees, who have been vital to the refinery’s operations, is deeply regrettable.”
“Rather than retaining these skilled Nigerian workers, the management has opted to substitute them with a large number of Indian workers, many lacking proper immigration documentation,” the union added.
“This practice not only threatens the livelihoods of Nigerian citizens but also blatantly breaches Section 7 of the Labour Act, which prohibits workplace discrimination and guarantees fair treatment for all employees.”
The union further condemned the dismissals for occurring without prior consultation or transparent justification, actions that violate the legal protections afforded to Nigerian workers.
PENGASSAN reaffirmed its commitment to defending the rights of Nigerian laborers, especially in light of the Trade Union Act, which safeguards workers’ rights to organize and affiliate with unions.
“The recent unionization of these employees under PENGASSAN highlights their collective strength and legal entitlement to protection,” the statement noted.
“Such developments reflect a disturbing pattern of sidelining Nigerian workers in favor of foreign labor, a trend we categorically reject.”
“The dedication and expertise of our workforce merit respect, and we demand accountability from employers who bear social responsibilities to the communities where they operate.”
Moreover, the union cautioned against overlooking the wider consequences of the Dangote Group’s profit-driven strategies beyond the refinery sector.
“Reports of exploitative labor practices have emerged in other industries where the company holds significant stakes. Prioritizing profits over local talent, ethical employment, and community welfare is unacceptable,” the union stated.
PENGASSAN remains steadfast in its mission to protect Nigerian workers’ rights and is prepared to take all necessary legal measures to ensure that employees receive the dignity and respect they deserve.
“An emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting has been convened to determine the association’s next steps. We urge all Nigerians to unite in opposing the exploitation of our workforce by profit-driven entities that undermine national interests,” the union concluded.
“The exploitation of our fellow citizens must not be condoned or supported; harm to one worker is harm to all.”
Babajide Okeowo
