29th September 2025-Published by Cyril

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has strongly condemned the management of the Dangote Petrochemical Refinery for dismissing more than 800 Nigerian workers over a unionisation dispute.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro described the mass sack as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights and demanded an immediate public apology and the reinstatement of the affected staff.

NAIJABLOGDAILY.COM

According to Toro, the dismissal undermines labour rights in Nigeria and breaches agreements previously reached with the refinery.

• “We demand the reversal of the arbitrary dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote. If that is done, the next thing we demand is a public apology with an assurance that such will not be repeated in the future,” he stated.

His comments come in the wake of a nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which disrupted operations at key oil and gas regulatory institutions. PENGASSAN accused the Dangote Refinery of violating both Nigerian labour laws and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by sacking workers who joined the union.

In its defence, the refinery denied carrying out mass dismissals, instead accusing the union of sabotage. However, Toro maintained that the core issue is the right of workers to freely join trade unions of their choice without intimidation.

He further alleged discrimination within the refinery, claiming Nigerian workers were being unfairly treated compared to Indian expatriates employed at the facility.

HEED: Follow us on Instagram or any other social media platform and get the most reliable news directly in your favourite app!

• “This is nothing but economic oppression and modern-day slavery. Dangote enjoys massive state support yet denies Nigerians their fundamental rights, while extending preferential treatment to expatriates,” Toro said.

The TUC chief emphasised that unionisation is a fundamental right, warning against attempts to silence workers. He recalled that organised labour had previously supported the refinery during its early operational challenges, insisting that the least the company could do was respect Nigerian workers.

Toro concluded by urging Dangote Group to reinstate the sacked employees, respect workers’ rights, and commit to non-victimisation of union members in the future.

NaijaBlogDaily# is visible on all social media platforms, bringing you the latest Nigerian news on politics, economy, entertainment, and celebrity updates. Including sports across Nigeria and beyond…

Keep visiting and following up with us on any social media platform you are using to keep you updated 💯
Remember (information brings knowledge and power).
STAY TUNED!!!