The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued an ultimatum to the management of Dangote Refinery to recall more than 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked and replaced with foreign nationals.
The union made this known in a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa, and made available to journalists on Friday in Abuja.
PENGASSAN had earlier alleged that Nigerian workers who joined the union at the refinery were denied entry into the facility, forced to pay for transport after staff buses were withdrawn, and later issued termination letters en masse.
The association condemned the move, describing it as anti-labour and a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws.
According to the union, the refinery engaged more than 2,000 Indian workers—many of whom allegedly lack valid immigration documentation—to take over the jobs of the disengaged Nigerians.
“We are deeply saddened to report the unjust termination of more than 800 Nigerian workers, whose dedication and service have been integral to the operations of this plant.
“Instead of valuing and retaining this workforce, management has chosen to replace these qualified Nigerians with foreign workers, in clear breach of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act,” the statement read.
The union warned that the action would not be tolerated, stressing that Nigerian workers must be treated with dignity and respect.
It added that failure to recall the workers would compel it to activate all legal options available under the Constitution and relevant labour laws.
PENGASSAN further disclosed that an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting had been scheduled to decide on the next line of action, while calling on Nigerians to rally behind the workers.
“This slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not be supported. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the union declared.
However, in its reaction, the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery dismissed allegations of arbitrary mass sack, insisting that its recent staff reorganisation was necessary to safeguard the facility from repeated acts of sabotage.
The refinery explained that the measure was taken to address safety concerns and operational inefficiencies, stressing that the decision was not targeted at union members.
It maintained that it remains committed to fair labour practices and to working within Nigeria’s laws to ensure smooth operations.
