“We demand the reversal of the arbitrary dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote… and a public apology from the refinery management,” said TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro.
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has demanded that Dangote Refinery reinstate more than 800 workers dismissed in a dispute over unionisation and issue a public apology.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunrise Daily on Monday, TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro said the sackings violated the constitutional rights of employees who chose to join the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
“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,” Toro stated.
The dispute has triggered a nationwide PENGASSAN strike, which paralysed operations at oil and gas regulatory institutions and disrupted fuel distribution.
Toro accused Dangote of “economic oppression” and double standards, alleging Nigerian staff were being replaced with Indian expatriates.
“Unionisation is a right,” he said, urging Dangote to respect workers’ choices and describing the mass dismissal as “modern-day slavery.”
The refinery has denied the allegations, accusing the union of sabotage.