From Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused the Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices, following what it described as the unjust termination of over 800 Nigerian workers and their replacement with foreign employees.
In a statement yesterday, signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union alleged that the refinery had replaced the disengaged staff with more than 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom it claimed lacked valid immigration documentation.
PENGASSAN said the development violated the provisions of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act, stressing that the dismissal of such a large number of Nigerians without consultation contravened their rights to fair treatment and freedom of association.
“The dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers is unjust, unacceptable and a clear violation of the rights granted to employees under Nigerian law. Instead of valuing and retaining this workforce, management has chosen to replace those qualified Nigerians with over 2,000 foreign workers. This action undermines not only the livelihoods of our citizens but also the integrity of labour practices in this country.
“We will not tolerate this blatant disregard for the rights of Nigerian workers, particularly when the Trade Union Act enshrines their freedom to organise and join unions. The sacrifice and talents of our workforce deserve respect, and PENGASSAN will take all necessary legal actions open to us as an association to ensure that they are afforded the dignity and protection they deserve,” the statement read in part.
Okugbawa disclosed that an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting had been convened to decide the union’s next steps, urging Nigerians to support the cause.
“This slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not be tolerated or supported, as injury to one is injury to all,” he said.
Reacting however, management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery denied the allegations, describing them as unfounded and misleading.
The company explained that what took place was a re-organisation exercise to strengthen operations and address repeated acts of sabotage within the facility.
“Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our petroleum refinery at present. Only a minimal number of staff were affected, as we continue to recruit Nigerian talent through our graduate- trainee programmes and experienced hire-recruitment process.
“The decision was taken in the best interest of the refinery as a result of intermittent cases of sabotage in the various units of the facility with dire consequences on human life and related safety concerns. We remain vigilant to our internal systems and vulnerabilities to ensure the long-term stability of this strategic national asset. It is imperative to protect the refinery for the benefit of Nigerians, our partners across Africa, and the thousands of people whose livelihoods depend on it,” the company said.
Reassuring employees and stakeholders, the refinery reaffirmed its commitment to internationally accepted labour principles, including workers’ freedom to decide on union membership without interference. It pledged to continue working with regulators, employees and stakeholders to uphold the highest standards of safety, transparency and accountability.
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