The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has issued a strong call to the management of Dangote Refinery, demanding a public apology and the immediate reinstatement of more than 800 workers allegedly dismissed over a unionisation dispute. Continue reading...
In a statement released on Tuesday, the TUC accused Africa’s largest refinery of infringing on workers’ rights by terminating their employment after they sought to join or form a trade union. The Congress described the dismissals as “unjust, unlawful, and a direct attack on freedom of association,” insisting that the workers must be reinstated without delay.
“We demand a public apology from Dangote Refinery and the reinstatement of all more than 800 dismissed workers. The right to unionise is protected by Nigeria’s Constitution and international labour conventions to which the country is a signatory,” the TUC said.
The dispute, according to labour leaders, began when refinery workers attempted to organise themselves under a recognised trade union to address welfare concerns, including pay structure, working hours, and safety conditions. The move, however, reportedly met resistance from management, leading to what the TUC described as “massive and arbitrary sackings.”
TUC President Festus Osifo, addressing journalists in Abuja, stressed that the congress would not fold its arms while employers trample on workers’ rights. “This matter goes beyond Dangote Refinery. If allowed to stand, it sets a dangerous precedent where workers will live in fear of victimisation simply because they attempt to exercise their right to organise,” he said.
As of press time, Dangote Refinery’s management has not issued an official response to the TUC’s claims.
The development has sparked intense public debate, with many Nigerians taking to social media to express concerns over both the welfare of the dismissed workers and the broader implications for labour rights in the country.