Nigerian union demands reinstatement of 800 Dangote Refinery workers after mass sackings

A bitter labor dispute erupts as Nigeria's largest union slams Dangote Refinery for 'slave-labour practices.' Will 800 jobs be restored?

, and Administrator

2026 March 28 . 4:02 AM

1 min read

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Nigerian union demands reinstatement of 800 Dangote Refinery workers after mass sackings

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has called for the reinstatement of over 800 workers dismissed by Dangote Petrochemical Refinery. The union claims the sackings violate constitutional rights and has demanded a public apology from the company's management.

TUC also accused the refinery of unfair treatment, alleging that Nigerian staff face worse conditions than Indian expatriates working at the same site.

The dispute began after PENGASSAN, an affiliate of TUC, staged a strike in response to the dismissals. TUC Secretary-General Nuhu Toro condemned the sackings, describing them as illegal and a breach of workers' rights. He further warned against what he called 'slave-labour practices' at the refinery.

TUC claims Dangote Refinery had previously agreed not to victimise employees for union activities. The union now insists the company has gone back on that promise. It also argues that workers have a legal right to join PENGASSAN or any union of their choice. Dangote Petrochemical Refinery has denied carrying out mass dismissals. Instead, the company accused PENGASSAN of sabotage and disrupting operations. No official breakdown of how many dismissed workers were PENGASSAN members has been released, and no internal documents have been made public to verify the claims.

TUC continues to push for the reinstatement of all affected workers. It also wants Dangote Refinery to allow them to join PENGASSAN without further interference. The union's demands include a formal apology and an end to what it describes as discriminatory treatment between local and foreign staff.