The brewing labour crisis at Dangote Refinery has taken a new turn as the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) announced plans to join the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in a nationwide strike.
In a statement released on Sunday, September 28, TUC Secretary General Nuhu Toro condemned the refinery’s dismissal of over 800 workers allegedly for joining PENGASSAN.
TUC demanded an immediate reversal of the sackings and a public apology from Dangote Refinery, warning that all affiliates had been placed on standby for a national industrial action.
“The Congress hereby places all affiliates on standby for a national industrial action if Dangote management fails to comply with these demands within a reasonable time,” the union stated.
It further described the mass sack as an assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and a violation of Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
“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 statement added.
PENGASSAN had earlier declared a nationwide strike and directed members to halt crude oil and gas supply to the multi-billion-dollar refinery.
Reacting, Dangote Refinery described the action as “economic sabotage” and accused PENGASSAN of using “bully tactics.” Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged both parties to embrace dialogue to prevent disruptions in petroleum product supply across the country.
