TUC demands apology, reinstatement of sacked Dangote Refinery workers

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria has demanded that the management of the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery reinstate over 800 workers dismissed in a unionisation dispute and tender a public apology.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro said the refinery violated the constitutional rights of the affected workers, stressing that unionisation is a fundamental right.

“The Dangote and PENGASSAN rift concerns the TUC because PENGASSAN is an affiliate of the TUC, and there is no way they can beat your child, and the father stays aloof,” Toro said.

He recalled that both PENGASSAN and TUC attended a September 8 meeting at the Ministry of Labour, but accused the refinery management of breaching a prior agreement that no worker would be victimised. He also faulted Dangote’s claims of sabotage, insisting the real issue was the workers’ right to belong to a union of their choice.

Toro accused the refinery of double standards, alleging that Nigerian staff were treated less favourably than Indian expatriates. He described the sackings as “oppression” and “modern-day slavery,” noting that Dangote, despite enjoying state support, was denying Nigerians their fundamental rights.

“Dangote should allow the workers to belong to the union of their choice. He should respect the rights of the over 800 workers and reinstate them. The unions are also ready to shift grounds in the interest of Nigerians,” Toro added.

The TUC chief emphasised that organised labour had previously supported the refinery during its early challenges and urged its management to avoid practices that amount to “slave labour.”

His remarks follow the nationwide strike declared by PENGASSAN, which on Monday shut down operations at key oil and gas regulatory agencies, in protest against the mass dismissals.