By Chibuike Nwabuko
ABUJA (PRECISE POST) – Federal lawmaker that represented Kaduna Central Senatorial District in the 8th National Assembly, Senator Shehu Sani has called on the management of Dangote Industries to immediately reinstate workers reportedly sacked for joining trade unions.
He also appealed to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to reconsider its decision to cut off gas supplies to the Dangote Refinery over the dispute.
The remarks come amid rising tensions between Dangote Industries and labour unions, following reports that some employees were dismissed after attempting to join labor groups.
In a statement released on his X handle on Monday, Sani acknowledged the significance of the Dangote Refinery to Nigeria’s economic growth, describing it as a source of national pride and an example of unprecedented industrial success.
However, he emphasized that the rights of workers to freely associate and unionize are protected under Nigerian law and must be respected by all employers, regardless of their status or contribution to the economy.
“The nation is proud of Dangote’s refinery and its unprecedented level of success,” Sani said. “But the right of workers to unionize is embedded in the laws of our country. Dangote should recall the workers sacked because of their decision to join their trade unions, and PENGASSAN should suspend their decision to cut off gas supplies to the refinery.”
PENGASSAN had earlier threatened to halt gas supply to the refinery in protest of what it described as anti-labour actions.
Sani urged all parties to engage in meaningful dialogue and find a resolution that upholds the rule of law and respects the rights of workers, while also safeguarding the economic benefits of the refinery project.
“This is a critical moment for labour relations in Nigeria,” he added. “Respect for workers’ rights and industrial peace must go hand in hand with our pursuit of economic development,” he added.
