Civil society organisation, Save the Republic, has expressed concern over reports that more than 800 Nigerian engineers and workers were dismissed by Dangote Refinery for attempting to join a trade union.
Addressing journalists on behalf of the group yesterday, Rights Lawyer, Deji Adeyanju, said the matter raises serious questions about labour rights, fair employment, and Nigeria’s regulatory environment.
The group noted that Nigerian Constitution and the Trade Unions Act recognise the right of workers to freely associate and join unions, and any attempt to restrict such rights is inconsistent with the law.
‘The right to organise is a constitutional guarantee under Section 40 of 1999 Constitution, as amended,’ Adeyanju said. ‘It is important Nigerian workers are able to exercise this right without fear of dismissal or intimidation.’
Save the Republic also noted the broader implications of the refinery’s reported actions, noting the Dangote Group has benefited from government interventions and licences. Adeyanju stressed given the scale of public support, transparency and fairness in employment practice were essential.
He said Nigeria’s competition and consumer protection laws discourage any practice that could entrench monopoly or undermine rights of stakeholders, including employees.
‘This is a matter of public accountability,’ he noted. ‘When a project of this scale receives state support, Nigerians have a right to demand fair treatment and full transparency in employment practice.’
It appealed for calm and dialogue, urging parties to dialogue, stressing rights of workers must be respected while ensuring the refinery thrives.
‘The way forward is dialogue. Nobody wants to kill Dangote Refinery. We want it to work, but we also want the rights of workers respected,’ he said.