TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro addressed the issue on Channels Television, asserting that the refinery violated the constitutional rights of the affected employees. He stated, “The Dangote and PENGASSAN rift concerns the TUC because PENGASSAN is an affiliate of the TUC,” and emphasized the importance of addressing this violation of workers’ rights.
Toro underscored that the TUC wants the refinery’s management to reverse the dismissals and apologize to the workers, promising not to retaliate against union activities in the future. The call to action follows a nationwide strike initiated by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which disrupted operations at critical regulatory bodies within the oil and gas sector. PENGASSAN accused the Dangote refinery of breaching labor laws and international conventions by dismissing workers for their union affiliation.
Dangote’s management rejected the accusations, labeling the mass dismissals as a response to alleged sabotage. However, Toro criticized these claims, stating that the core issue lies in the workers’ right to join PENGASSAN, which they exercised by signing membership forms. He pointed out that Dangote’s management has not addressed the fundamental matter of union rights and has failed to comply with a prior agreement preventing the victimization of workers.
Toro further described the dismissals as “oppression” and noted that Nigerian employees were receiving less favorable treatment compared to Indian expatriates working at the refinery. He condemned the perceived economic oppression and double standards perpetuated by Dangote, who he argued benefits from significant state support while denying fundamental rights to Nigerian workers.
In his remarks, Toro prioritizes the rights of workers and insists that the unions are also aiming for solutions that will benefit the nation. He expressed disappointment with critiques of Nigerian workers’ patriotism and referenced successful union representation in free trade zones like Onne, where workers in major oil companies have union representation.
The TUC’s position emphasizes the importance of respecting workers’ rights, reinstating the terminated employees, and preventing any future intimidation against union advocacy. Toro reiterated that organized labor previously supported Dangote during its initial struggles, and now urges the refinery to acknowledge and respect the rights of its employees.
