The Lagos State Council of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has condemned the dismissal of more than 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery, describing the action as an unlawful attempt to suppress trade union rights in Nigeria.
In a statement signed by its chairman, Comrade Aladetan Abiodun, the TUC alleged that the workers were sacked solely because they joined the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), a registered trade union under Nigerian law.
“This action is not only a grave violation of Nigeria’s Constitution and labour laws, but a direct assault on the principles of democracy, justice, and decent work,” the union said.
The TUC argued that the dismissal flouts Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, the Trade Unions Act, and international conventions ratified by Nigeria. “Joining a trade union is not a crime. It is a lawful act that must never be met with punishment. The arbitrary dismissal of over 800 workers for union affiliation is not only illegal — it is immoral and economically reckless,” it added.
Calling for urgent intervention, the TUC urged the Minister of Labour to convene talks between the refinery and PENGASSAN, while also appealing to the Registrar of Trade Unions and the Lagos State Government to act. “Industrial relations must be guided by law, not by corporate ego. If allowed to stand, this action would create a dangerous precedent where workers in Nigeria are silenced and sacked for simply standing up for their rights,” the statement said.
The union accused the company of threatening economic stability. “This is not the time for grandstanding or victimisation. This is the time for responsible dialogue. PENGASSAN is a mature and responsible union that has always chosen engagement over disruption. It is Dangote Refinery that is now threatening economic stability by triggering unnecessary conflict,” it noted.
TUC demanded the immediate reinstatement of all affected workers and commencement of “structured, good-faith negotiations” with their representatives. It also warned that affiliates in Lagos were on standby for mobilisation if the issue remains unresolved.
“TUC Lagos stands firmly with PENGASSAN and the affected workers. We will not fold our arms while our rights are trampled upon in broad daylight,” the union declared, stressing, “Injustice anywhere is a threat to justice everywhere.”
Meanwhile, a Federal High Court in Lagos on Monday has restrained the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and other affiliated unions from halting the supply of crude and gas to the Dangote Refinery, following a heated dispute over the recent sack of more than 800 Nigerian workers.
