Godsent Ogbebor – Abuja Correspondent
TUC Backs PENGASSAN In Rift With Dangote Refinery
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has thrown its weight behind the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) in its face-off with Dangote Petroleum Refinery over alleged unlawful dismissal of workers.
TUC, in a statement by its Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro, warned that it would not hesitate to call a nationwide strike if the refinery failed to reinstate the affected workers.
Toro described the sackings as a violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and a breach of international labour conventions. He demanded an immediate and unconditional reinstatement of all dismissed staff, alongside a public apology and assurances against future victimisation.
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PENGASSAN had earlier accused the refinery of unjustly terminating over 800 Nigerian workers while allegedly replacing them with more than 2,000 expatriates. The union, in response, directed members to shut down crude and gas supply to the refinery, insisting the strike would continue until its demands were met.
The refinery, however, defended the move as a safety-driven reorganisation, maintaining that the action was not arbitrary and only affected a small number of staff. It stressed that more than 3,000 Nigerians remain in its workforce and accused PENGASSAN of economic sabotage.
Dangote Refinery further described the shutdown order as “a brazen display of lawlessness,” warning that the disruption could affect fuel supplies, government revenue, and the daily lives of Nigerians. The company urged the Federal Government to intervene and prevent what it called “reckless and irresponsible conduct.”
