Paraphrased Content:Former Senator Shehu Sani has called on Dangote Refinery to reinstate employees allegedly dismissed for engaging in trade union activities, labeling the sackings as a violation of constitutional guarantees and a threat to industrial stability. In a post on X (formerly Twitter), he also appealed to PENGASSAN (the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) to halt its directive to cut gas supply to the refinery, cautioning that such action could undermine the national economy.
Sani insisted that Dangote must comply with labor laws by recalling those dismissed for associating with trade unions, and urged the union to reconsider its moves that could escalate tensions. The dispute arises amid claims by PENGASSAN that over 800 workers were dismissed and replaced with foreign staff—a charge the union says contravenes Nigeria’s labour regulations and international labor conventions.
On the other hand, Dangote Refinery denies the accusations, arguing that the terminations were due to issues of safety and operational efficiency, not union activities. The company maintains it still employs over 3,000 Nigerians at the facility. With PENGASSAN’s strike already in motion and disruption looming, the federal government has stepped in, convening talks aimed at resolving the standoff and averting a larger crisis in the oil and gas sector.
