PENGASSAN Condemns Dangote Refinery Over 800 Nigerian Sackings

The Conflict Over Labour Practices at Dangote Refinery

A recent controversy has erupted around the Dangote Refinery, with allegations of unfair labor practices being made by a Nigerian union known as PENGASSAN. According to these claims, the refinery has dismissed over 800 Nigerian workers and replaced them with approximately 2,000 undocumented Indian nationals. This accusation has sparked public outrage and led to increased attention on the company’s employment policies.

In response, the Federation of Employers’ Associations (FERA) has denied these allegations, stating that they are not supported by any evidence. FERA's president, Comrade Ebikeme Adigio, emphasized that an independent investigation was conducted, which found no proof of unlawful worker replacement. Instead, he highlighted that the expatriates working at the refinery are fully documented and have been hired for specialized roles.

Adigio further pointed out that the Dangote Refinery has contributed significantly to job creation in the region. He mentioned that the facility has generated over one million jobs within less than a year, a fact that he believes PENGASSAN is trying to obscure from the public.

Criticisms of PENGASSAN's Leadership

FERA has also taken issue with the leadership of PENGASSAN, accusing them of lacking the moral authority to critique the refinery. The group referenced the union’s history of failures in the oil and gas sector, particularly highlighting their role in the mismanagement of over $4 billion on failed maintenance projects at several refineries, including those in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.

Adigio accused the union leaders of watching as these refineries deteriorated and workers were laid off, while the economy suffered due to subsidy fraud. He suggested that the current criticism from PENGASSAN is hypocritical, given their past actions.

Additionally, FERA alleged that some union officials have personally benefited from the subsidy regime through political patronage and appointments. This claim adds another layer of complexity to the ongoing dispute.

Motives Behind the Criticism

According to FERA, the real motive behind PENGASSAN's criticisms is not the welfare of workers but rather a desire to protect entrenched interests and maintain control over the oil sector. They argue that the union's focus is more on power than on genuine concern for employment.

“Their agitation is not about workers. It’s about losing power over a sector they have weaponised for decades,” FERA stated. They also pointed out that PENGASSAN collects 3% of every oil worker’s salary in Nigeria but has never built even a small modular refinery. If the union is genuinely interested in job creation, they should consider purchasing the moribund Port Harcourt refinery and demonstrating their ability to manage it effectively.

Praise for Dangote Refinery

FERA praised the Dangote Refinery for its contributions to job creation and economic transformation. They cited the rollout of 8,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) buses, which they claimed created 16,000 jobs in a single day. Adigio emphasized that the refinery should be celebrated rather than vilified, as it is breaking the grip of subsidy cartels and creating opportunities on a scale Nigeria has never seen before.

Concerns About Economic Sabotage

FERA has also criticized PENGASSAN’s threat to cut gas and crude supply to the refinery, labeling it as “economic sabotage.” They urged government and regulatory bodies to protect the project from vested interests.

The group concluded by stating that PENGASSAN is upset because the “party is over.” If the union is serious about job creation, they should focus on reviving the Kaduna, Warri, and Port Harcourt refineries. Until then, they should stop blackmailing an investor who has managed to accomplish what the government and unions failed to do for decades.