Outrage As Dangote Refinery Replaces 800 Nigerian Workers With Indians – PENGASSAN Blows Hot

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has accused the Dangote Refinery of unjustly terminating the employment of 800 Nigerian workers.

In a statement issued on Friday by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union alleged that the refinery engaged in anti-labour practices and replaced the sacked Nigerians with over 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom reportedly lack proper immigration documents.

PENGASSAN described the move as “deeply saddening,” insisting that the refinery failed to accord the dismissed workers fair treatment. The union stressed that the mass sack undermines citizens’ livelihoods and violates provisions of the Nigerian Labour Act, particularly Section 7, which guarantees non-discrimination and fair workplace treatment.

The accusations come in direct response to a statement by Dangote Refinery, which claimed the restructuring was aimed at addressing repeated acts of sabotage that threatened operational efficiency and safety. The company added that over 3,000 Nigerians remain in its active workforce despite the shake-up.

Rejecting this justification, PENGASSAN maintained that the refinery’s actions contravened workers’ rights and undermined their legal freedom to unionise. The union warned that the replacement of Nigerian labour with foreign workers signals a dangerous trend of marginalisation of local talent.

“We emphasise that such actions illustrate a troubling trend towards the displacement of Nigerian workers in favour of foreign labour, which we cannot and will not accept,” the statement read.

PENGASSAN further accused the Dangote Group of prioritising profit over ethical practices and community welfare across its business operations. It demanded the immediate recall of the sacked workers, warning that failure to comply would force the union to pursue every available legal option.

“We remain resolute in upholding the rights of Nigerian workers and will not hesitate to take all necessary legal actions to ensure they are afforded the dignity and respect they deserve,” the union declared.