By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The recent dismissal of several workers at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been traced to activities in a WhatsApp group allegedly used to share sensitive operational information with outsiders, a development that has since triggered industrial tension between management and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
How the WhatsApp Group Sparked the Sackings
According to Premium Times, sources revealed that officials of PENGASSAN reached out to employees of the refinery, encouraging them to join the union and promising protection. A WhatsApp group was then created, where forms were circulated and workers allegedly shared daily reports about refinery operations.
Management, however, viewed this as an act of sabotage and a threat to the refinery’s security. A letter signed by the Chief General Manager, Human Asset Management of Dangote Group, Femi Adekunle, informed affected workers that their services were terminated effective 25 September, citing repeated acts of sabotage that endangered safety and operational efficiency.
Labour Union’s Response and Federal Intervention
PENGASSAN rejected the sackings, accusing Dangote Refinery of anti-labour practices and discrimination against Nigerian workers. The union subsequently ordered members nationwide to withdraw their services and block gas supply to the refinery, describing management’s actions as unjust.
The situation escalated until the federal government intervened. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend its planned nationwide strike, while the National Industrial Court in Abuja issued an interim order stopping the union from cutting crude and gas supply to the refinery.
Resolution Reached
After days of tense negotiations, both parties reached an agreement on Wednesday. According to Premium Times, the resolution affirmed that workers’ rights to unionise must be respected under Nigerian law. The refinery also agreed to redeploy disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group without loss of pay, while no employee would be victimised for their role in the dispute.
The federal government hailed the outcome as a balanced compromise to protect both workers’ rights and Nigeria’s economic stability.
Sources: Premium Times, Nairaland.
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