PENGASSAN Gives Dangote Refinery Ultimatum Over Sack of 800 Nigerians, Hiring of Foreigners

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued an ultimatum to the management of Dangote Refinery to reinstate more than 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked and replaced with foreign nationals.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa, and released Friday in Abuja, the union condemned the action as “anti-labour” and a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws.

PENGASSAN alleged that workers who joined the union were first harassed, denied entry, and stripped of transport privileges before receiving mass termination notices. The refinery, according to the union, has since engaged over 2,000 Indian workers many allegedly without valid immigration papers to replace the dismissed Nigerians.

“We are deeply saddened by the unjust termination of more than 800 Nigerian workers, whose dedication and service have been integral to the operations of this plant,” the statement read.

The union vowed to resist the move, stressing that Nigerian workers deserve dignity and respect. It warned that failure to recall the workers would trigger all legal actions permissible under the Constitution and labour laws.

PENGASSAN has scheduled an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide its next line of action, urging Nigerians to support the struggle.

“This slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not be supported. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement added.