The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has demanded the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of 800 oil and gas workers recently sacked by the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, warning that failure to comply could trigger nationwide industrial action.
In a statement signed by its Secretary General, Comrade Nuhu Toro, the union described the dismissal as a direct violation of workers’ rights. “Such actions amount to a direct assault on Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and on Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organization conventions,” Toro stated. He added that all affiliates of the union have been placed on standby for a national strike if the management does not meet their demands within a reasonable timeframe.
Reacting swiftly, the Federal Government urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to reconsider its proposed strike against Dangote Refinery. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, said his Ministry had already taken steps to prevent the dispute from escalating.
In a statement released on Sunday, Dingyadi disclosed that invitations were sent to the leadership of PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to attend an emergency reconciliation meeting in his office on Monday. “I appeal to both parties to be mindful of the importance of the petroleum sector to the country, being the core of its economy. A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country but also cause more hardship and difficulties for Nigerians. Consequently, it will have adverse impacts, both on economic stability and national security,” the Minister said.
On its part, Dangote Petroleum Refinery explained that the decision to disengage some workers was part of a reorganization process. In a statement released on Friday, the management said the step was taken to improve operational efficiency and was in the overall interest of the Refinery.