The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has condemned what it described as anti-labour practices at the Dangote Refinery, following the reported dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, the union alleged that the sacked workers were replaced with over 2,000 foreign nationals, mostly Indians, many of whom it claimed do not possess valid immigration papers.

PENGASSAN said the mass dismissal not only jeopardises the livelihoods of Nigerians but also violates provisions of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act, which guarantee fair treatment and workers’ rights.

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“The dismissal of such a significant number of Nigerian workers without due consultation or any transparent justification contravenes the legal rights granted to all employees in Nigeria,” the statement read.

The association described the move as a “blatant disregard” for the rights of Nigerian workers, stressing that the refinery management must recall all affected employees or face legal and industrial action.

PENGASSAN also accused the Dangote Group of extending exploitative practices beyond the refinery sector into other industries where it has major investments, saying its “relentless pursuit of profit at the expense of local talent, ethical employment practices, and community welfare is unacceptable.”

The union said it has scheduled an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting to decide its next line of action, while calling on Nigerians to support its resistance to what it described as “slave labour.”

“Failure to comply will leave us with no option but to commence exploring all sections of the Nigerian Constitution and relevant labour laws. We stand resolute in our commitment to uphold the rights of Nigerian workers,” PENGASSAN warned.