By JOAN NWAGWU

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued an ultimatum to the management of Dangote Refinery to recall more than 800 Nigerian workers it allegedly sacked and replaced with foreign nationals.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Lumumba Okungbowa, General Secretary, PENGASSAN, and made available to newsmen on Friday in Abuja.

It would be recalled that PENGASSAN had earlier alleged that workers who joined the union at the refinery were denied entry, forced to pay for transport after buses were withdrawn, and later received a mass termination notice.

The union, however, condemned the action and described it as anti-labour and a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws.

According to the association, the refinery engaged more than 2,000 Indian workers, many of whom allegedly lack valid immigration documentation, to take over the jobs of the disengaged Nigerians.

“We are deeply saddened to report the unjust termination of more than 800 Nigerian workers, whose dedication and service have been integral to the operations of this plant.

“Instead of valuing and retaining this workforce, management has chosen to replace these qualified Nigerians with foreign workers, in clear breach of the Labour Act and the Trade Union Act,” it said.

The association, therefore, said that the action would not be tolerated, stressing that Nigerian workers must be accorded dignity and respect.

It said that failure to recall the workers would force it to activate all legal options available under the Constitution and relevant labour laws.

“PENGASSAN, therefore, urges the management of Dangote Refinery to recall all terminated Nigerian workers.

“Failure to comply will leave us with no option but to take every legal action available to us as an association,” it added.

The union said that an emergency National Executive Council (NEC) meeting had been scheduled to decide the next line of action, while calling on Nigerians to rally behind the struggle.

“This slave labour of our brothers and sisters must not be supported. An injury to one is an injury to all,” it stated. (NAN)