PENGASSAN Accuses Dangote Refinery of Unjustly Sacking 800 Nigerian Workers

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has raised alarm over what it described as an unjust termination of 800 Nigerian employees at the Dangote Refinery. The union, in a strongly worded statement issued by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, on Friday, condemned the alleged replacement of the sacked workers with over 2,000 Indian nationals.

The controversy erupted after the refinery announced a restructuring process, which it claimed was necessary to remove “saboteurs” whose actions posed safety concerns and disrupted operational efficiency. According to the company, despite the layoffs, more than 3,000 Nigerians remain employed within the facility.

PENGASSAN, however, countered these claims, alleging that the move amounted to anti-labour practices and a gross violation of Nigerian labour laws.

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PENGASSAN’s Concerns Over Job Termination

In its statement, PENGASSAN described the refinery’s decision as both unjust and discriminatory. The association argued that the termination of Nigerian workers not only jeopardised livelihoods but also cast serious doubts on the company’s commitment to fair labour practices.

“We are deeply saddened to report the unjust termination of over 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 over 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom lack valid immigration documentation,” the union said.

PENGASSAN stressed that the Nigerian workers were denied due process and transparency. It pointed out that under Section 7 of the Labour Act, employees are guaranteed the right to fair treatment without discrimination. By dismissing such a large number of Nigerians abruptly, the association argued, Dangote Refinery violated both the spirit and letter of Nigeria’s labour laws.

Allegations of Immigration Irregularities

Beyond the labour issues, PENGASSAN alleged that several of the Indian workers employed by Dangote Refinery lacked proper immigration papers. According to the union, this development raises fresh questions about compliance with Nigerian immigration policies and the safeguarding of national interests.

The association emphasised that allowing foreigners without valid documents to replace qualified Nigerians is not only unjust but could also undermine national security and economic stability.

Workers’ Rights and Unionization

PENGASSAN also accused the company of targeting workers for joining unions, noting that many of the dismissed employees had recently organised under its umbrella. It maintained that the right to unionise is enshrined in the Trade Union Act and cannot be tampered with by any employer.

“The dismissal of such a significant number of Nigerian workers without due consultation or any transparent justification contravenes the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria,” the statement added.

The union emphasised that the formation of a collective workforce within the refinery underscored the employees’ right to organise, and that any attempt to undermine that would face resistance.

Dangote Refinery’s Defence

Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery has defended its decision, insisting that the restructuring was necessary to safeguard operations. The company accused the affected workers of engaging in repeated acts of sabotage, which it claimed threatened the facility’s safety and efficiency.

In its official statement, the refinery maintained that Nigerians remain the majority of its workforce, with over 3,000 still employed across different departments. It added that the restructuring was not intended to marginalise Nigerians but to maintain discipline and accountability within the organisation.

PENGASSAN Threatens Legal Action

Despite the refinery’s explanation, PENGASSAN vowed to pursue all legal avenues available to protect the rights of the dismissed workers. The union warned that if the company fails to reinstate the workers, it will explore constitutional provisions and labour laws to ensure justice is served.

“We emphasise that such actions illustrate a troubling trend towards the marginalisation of Nigerian workers in favour of foreign labour, which we cannot, and will not, tolerate. The sacrifice and talents of our workforce deserve respect, and we demand accountability from employers who possess a social responsibility to the communities they operate in,” the statement declared.

The association also accused the Dangote Group of prioritising profit over ethical employment practices, alleging that similar exploitative behaviours had been observed in other sectors where the company operates.

Broader Implications for Nigeria’s Labour Market

The dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery highlights broader concerns about the protection of Nigerian workers in a competitive labour market increasingly influenced by foreign recruitment. Analysts note that the controversy could spark a wider debate about the balance between foreign expertise and local employment, particularly in strategic sectors such as oil and gas.

For many Nigerians, the refinery represents a symbol of national pride and industrial advancement. However, the allegations of mass sackings and replacement with foreigners could undermine public confidence in the project, which has long been touted as a game-changer for Nigeria’s energy independence.

As tensions escalate, PENGASSAN has urged the management of Dangote Refinery to recall the terminated workers immediately and open dialogue with the union. The group insists that failure to comply will lead to legal battles and possible industrial actions aimed at protecting Nigerian workers from exploitation.

The coming weeks may prove decisive in shaping the outcome of this standoff. On one side, Dangote Refinery is pushing to defend its operational integrity, while on the other, PENGASSAN is determined to safeguard workers’ rights and ensure compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws.

What is clear is that the issue transcends the confines of one refinery. It raises fundamental questions about the treatment of Nigerian workers, the role of foreign labour, and the responsibilities of corporations in promoting fairness, accountability, and social justice within the nation’s workforce.