PENGASSAN Threatens Dangote Refinery Over Sack of 800 Workers
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a strong threat to picket the Dangote Refinery. The major industrial dispute arose after the refinery allegedly sacked 800 Nigerian workers who joined the union. Meanwhile, PENGASSAN claims the company immediately hired over 2,000 Indian nationals to replace the dismissed Nigerian staff. Dangote Refinery management, however, argues the firing resulted from repeated acts of sabotage. This showdown places a critical spotlight on workers’ rights and labour laws in Nigeria as PENGASSAN prepares a response to the recent PENGASSAN Dangote Refinery Sacking.
Refinery Claims Sabotage, Union Cites Unionization
A letter surfaced on social media earlier Friday, titled, ‘Reorganisation.’ The letter informed staff their services were “no longer required” effective Thursday, September 25, 2025.
The letter partly reads: “Management is constrained to carry out a total reorganisation of the plant. Crucially, this is in view of the many recent cases of reported sabotage in different units of the petroleum refinery leading to major safety concerns.”
However, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN General Secretary, strongly denied the sabotage claims. Instead, he alleged the refinery sacked the 800 workers specifically for becoming PENGASSAN members.
“As of Thursday, the workers completed the process of unionisation as directed by the Federal Government,” Okugbawa said. “Over 800 agreed to join the union. Consequently, the next thing we saw was the (sack) letter, firing all Nigerian staff.”
Okugbawa questioned the management’s motive: “They said they wanted to reorganise. But is it only the expatriates that will do the reorganisation?” He noted that the company asked 2,000+ expatriates from India to continue their jobs.
H2: PENGASSAN Threatens Picket Action
When questioned about a possible blockade despite a standing court injunction, Okugbawa stated the union can picket the refinery or embark on a protest.
“We are only waiting for the National Executive Council,” he confirmed. “First, we engaged with the affected workers on Friday morning and told them to remain steadfast. We will use all the constitutionally given powers to do what we’ve got to do.”
The union criticized the retention of foreign workers: “In this Nigeria, you’re firing Nigerians and keeping expatriates to work. Moreover, these expatriates are doing little or nothing compared to what Nigerians can do. Is that reorganisation? Let’s use our tongues to count our teeth.”
Legal Grounds for Recalling Workers
PENGASSAN management argues the refinery has violated several Nigerian labour laws. Section 7 of the Labour Act prohibits discrimination and guarantees the right to fair treatment in the workplace.
PENGASSAN asserts the dismissal “contravene[s] the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria.” Furthermore, they cite the Trade Union Act, which enshrines the right of workers to organise and join trade unions.
The union warns the management to recall all sacked Nigerian workers. “Otherwise, failure to comply will leave us with no option but to commence exploring all sections of the Nigerian Constitution and the relevant labour laws,” PENGASSAN stated.
Dangote Refinery Responds, Cites Safety
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery issued a statement clarifying its position. Specifically, it maintained the workers were sacked because they engaged in acts of sabotage within the plant.
“This exercise is not arbitrary,” the statement read. “Instead, it has become necessary to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.”
The refinery stressed its commitment to Nigerian employment: “Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in our petroleum refinery at present. Clearly, only a very small number of staff were affected.” The company noted it continues to recruit Nigerian talents through various programs. “Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering,” the refinery concluded.
Dangote Refinery Sack 800 workers
