The labour crisis at Dangote Petroleum Refinery deepened over the weekend as the Trade Union Congress (TUC) threw its weight behind the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in their dispute with the company.
TUC accused the refinery of violating workers’ rights by sacking employees who joined the union. In a statement signed by its Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, the union described the move as unconstitutional and a breach of international labour standards.
Toro warned that TUC would not hesitate to mobilise a nationwide strike if its demands were ignored, insisting that the dismissed staff must be reinstated immediately. The union also demanded a public apology and assurances against further victimisation.
PENGASSAN Orders Shutdown
PENGASSAN had earlier directed its members to halt crude and gas supply to the refinery, accusing management of laying off over 800 Nigerians and replacing them with foreign workers.
“All control room, panel, and field operations must stop without delay,” the association said in a circular, vowing that the strike would continue until its members were reinstated.
Dangote’s Response
In its reaction, Dangote Refinery defended the dismissals as part of a reorganisation aimed at improving safety and efficiency. The company said only a small number of employees were affected while thousands of Nigerians remain on its payroll.
It dismissed PENGASSAN’s shutdown directive as “unlawful and reckless,” warning that cutting off crude supply could disrupt the production of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas across the country.
“This action amounts to economic sabotage against Nigerians,” the refinery said, urging the Federal Government to step in before the situation spirals out of control.
Mounting Labour Tensions
The clash is the latest in a series of disputes between Dangote Refinery and labour unions. With TUC now backing PENGASSAN and threatening broader industrial action, concerns are growing over possible disruptions to fuel supply and national revenue.
