Senator Shehu Sani, a former federal lawmaker, has urged Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to engage in constructive dialogue to stop a strike.
He warned that every Nigerian would suffer if there was a nationwide shutdown during his speech on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics.
According to Sani, “I think Dangote and the union can come to terms and resolve this problem.”
Sani praised Dangote for building Africa’s largest refinery, calling him “one son Nigeria is proud of.”
He did, however, insist that the Constitution requires that workers have the right to join unions.
He said that “only when employees disrupt operations should measures be taken,” but that firing them for joining unions is improper.
He warned against labor union disputes, which could harm the refinery’s reputation abroad.
[Dangote Refinery] PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike
Sani argued that the conflict was between Dangote’s desire for uninterrupted production and the unions’ duty to protect workers as the source of the crisis.
Sani remarked that “the world views Nigeria as a petroleum power thanks to Dangote refinery.”
He warned that “without unions, workers will be abused, exploited, and their rights unprotected.”
He acknowledged Dangote’s apprehension about strikes but argued that dialogue was the only way to get rid of it.
Sani praised the government’s media efforts, noting that “the government’s interest in solving this is demonstrated by the Ministry of Labour’s invitation to both sides.”
PENGASSAN Sets Orders for the shutdown
PENGASSAN claimed Dangote Refinery ersted 800 Nigerians and installed “more than 2, 000 Indians” in their place.
The strike directive forbade the reinstatement of workers until the job was done.
Members were told to stop receiving crude oil and gas from the refinery.
Its circular read, “Every control room and field operation must end without delay.
“An injury to one is an injury to everyone,” the saying goes. No other person is greater than our nation, the union continued.
TUC Threatens to strike
Dangote Refinery’s allegedly sacking employees who joined PENGASSAN was condemned by the Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Nuhu Toro, the TUC’s secretary general, claimed in a statement that the dismissal violated the ILO and the constitution of Nigeria.
Toro declared, “We stand in full solidarity with the affected workers.”
He demanded that the refinery issue a public apology and the reinstatement of the sacked staff. Toro alerted affiliates to a potential nationwide strike.
He declared that “no company will be permitted to violate workers’ rights.”
Dangote’s response
Dangote Refinery refuted accusations of wrongdoing, arguing that the restructuring was necessary “to prevent sabotage and ensure safety.”
More than 3, 000 Nigerians remained employed, compared to just a few workers, according to the report.
PENGASSAN was charged with “criminal conduct” and economic sabotage by the refinery.
No law gives PENGASSAN the authority to halt supplies, it said.
The company warned that the government’s revenues and fuel supplies might be impacted by the shutdown. It demanded that the Federal Government step in and put an end to what it termed “reckless conduct.”
FG Injures
The Federal Government urged PENGASSAN to postpone its planned strike against Dangote Refinery in the midst of the dispute.
Muhammad Dingyadi, the minister of labor, claimed that his government had started conciliation efforts to stop escalation on Sunday.
The Ministry confirmed invitations to Dangote Refinery management and PENGASSAN in an official statement signed by Patience Onuobia, the head of information and public relations, on Monday.
