The Dangote Petroleum Refinery is under mounting pressure as labour unions, political leaders, and civil society groups demand the recall of over 800 Nigerian workers allegedly dismissed for joining trade unions. The controversy has escalated into a nationwide strike that threatens to disrupt fuel supply and deepen the country’s economic woes.
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) accused the refinery of flouting labour rights by terminating hundreds of workers and replacing them with expatriates, mostly from India. The union insists the move violates both Nigeria’s constitution and global conventions on workers’ freedom of association.
Former senator Shehu Sani condemned the development, calling the sackings unconstitutional and urging Alhaji Aliko Dangote, Africa’s richest man, to reverse course.
“Dangote should recall the workers dismissed for exercising their right to unionise. PENGASSAN should also suspend its move to cut gas supply to the refinery,” he said in a statement, stressing that constitutional rights must be respected without jeopardising the facility’s importance to Nigeria’s economy.
TUC issues ultimatum
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has added its weight to the campaign, demanding not only the reinstatement of the sacked workers but also a formal apology.
TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro, speaking on Channels Television, accused the refinery of victimising its staff despite earlier assurances.
“We demand the reversal of the arbitrary dismissal of over 800 workers. After that, a public apology must follow, with guarantees that such abuses will never recur,” Toro said.
He argued that the company was deliberately avoiding the central issue of unionisation by branding the workers saboteurs. “Union membership is a constitutional right. Denying it is oppression,” he insisted, pointing out that expatriates at the refinery seem to enjoy more protection than Nigerians.
Strike spreads
PENGASSAN’s response was swift. Over the weekend, it directed members across oil firms and regulatory agencies to withdraw their services, including crude and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery.
General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa said the strike would not be suspended until the refinery reinstated the affected workers.
“This is about protecting our members. We won’t allow intimidation to take root in the oil industry,” he declared.
The strike has triggered concerns of fuel shortages and price hikes, as the refinery is central to Nigeria’s supply of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, and cooking gas.
Marketers warn of crisis
Independent marketers cautioned that the disruption could cripple energy supply. The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) warned that halting crude and gas flow to the refinery could push up pump prices, disrupt electricity supply, and further drive inflation.
“Unless urgent steps are taken, the entire economy could be thrown into deeper crisis,” said IPMAN spokesperson Chinedu Ukadike.
Dangote denies claims
In its defence, Dangote Refinery rejected claims of anti-union victimisation, insisting the sackings were based on efficiency and safety concerns.
The company described PENGASSAN’s strike as reckless, warning that ordinary Nigerians would bear the brunt.
“PENGASSAN is weaponising hardship against 230 million Nigerians under the guise of unionism,” the refinery said in a statement.
Government steps in
Amid rising tension, the federal government convened an emergency meeting to avert a nationwide fuel shortage. Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi appealed to both parties to embrace dialogue, warning that the strike could inflict severe damage on the economy and worsen hardship.
While talks continue, PENGASSAN maintains that reinstatement is non-negotiable, while the refinery insists it acted lawfully. For now, the fate of hundreds of workers, and Nigeria’s fragile fuel supply, remains in limbo.
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