A civil society organisation, Save the Republic, has criticised the Dangote Refinery over the reported dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers and engineers who allegedly tried to form a trade union.
In a statement signed by its convener, Deji Adeyanju, the group described the development as a serious violation of labour rights and Nigeria’s regulatory framework.
“The right to organise is a constitutional guarantee under Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, as amended,” Adeyanju said. “It is important that Nigerian workers are able to exercise this right without fear of dismissal or intimidation.”
It said the Nigerian Constitution and Trade Unions Act clearly recognise workers’ right to freely associate, and that attempts to deny such rights contradict the law.
Adeyanju also pointed out that the Dangote Group has received several government licences and interventions, making it even more important for the company to be transparent and fair in its employment practices.
He further noted that competition and consumer protection laws discourage monopolistic practices that could undermine workers’ rights.
Save the Republic called on the government to investigate the mass sack and clarify allegations that some of the jobs formerly held by Nigerians were being handed to foreigners.
“This is not only a matter of labour relations but also of public accountability,” Adeyanju stated. “When a project of this scale has received extraordinary state support, Nigerians have a right to demand fair treatment of workers and full transparency in employment practices.”
It further said its stand was not against Dangote or any company but about ensuring fairness and protecting the dignity of Nigerian workers. It urged dialogue and calm in resolving the dispute.
“The way forward is the dialogue table. Nobody wants to kill the Dangote Refinery. We all want Dangote to work, but we also want the rights of the Nigerian worker to be respected,” Adeyanju added.
As part of a long-term solution, it recommended the reinstatement of the dismissed workers.
It also commended the Department of State Services (DSS) and the Ministry of Labour and Employment for stepping in to help resolve the issue.
Oil crisis: Deji Adeyanju’s civil society wades into sack of 800 workers by Dangote