By Ehis Agbon
The Socialist Labour movement has thrown its weight behind the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its ongoing strike, calling for the immediate reinstatement of 800 Nigerian workers allegedly sacked by Dangote Petroleum Refinery for joining the union.
According to a statement signed by Dr. James Uanhoro and Dr. Izielen Agbon of Socialist Labour, the termination of the workers was a violation of their fundamental rights to free association and collective bargaining. The group accused the Dangote Group of disguising the mass sack as a “reorganisation” while targeting workers who had exercised their right to unionize.
“Workers, in Nigeria and internationally, have a right to join unions. But that right is only meaningful when we can exercise it without repercussion,” the statement said, describing the sackings as “illegal” and tantamount to creating “a slave camp” where employees are denied a voice.
Socialist Labour alleged that Dangote was attempting to replace the sacked workers with foreign employees under the condition that they would not join unions, a move the group condemned as “crude slavery” and contrary to Nigeria’s constitution and International Labour Organization (ILO) standards.
The labour group further dismissed claims by Dangote Petroleum management that the workers sabotaged the refinery, calling the allegations false and malicious. “These are not saboteurs; they are our fathers, mothers, brothers, sisters and neighbours, respected community members who risk their lives daily to ensure Nigerians have fuel,” the statement added.
PENGASSAN has already responded by halting the supply of gas and crude to the Dangote refinery, insisting that operations would not resume until the sacked workers are recalled.
Socialist Labour praised the union’s stance, urging all trade unions, civil society groups, and Nigerians to support the struggle against what it called the “exploitation of workers by a billionaire capitalist whose only concern is maximising profit.”
“The union makes us strong. We will win,” the group declared, stressing that Dangote is not above the law and must respect workers’ rights.
