The Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria (ASCSN) has accused the management of Dangote Refinery of trampling on workers’ rights through arbitrary dismissals and anti-labour practices.
In a statement on Monday, ASCSN National President, Mr. Shehu Mohammed, condemned the alleged termination of employees for exercising their constitutional right to unionise, describing it as a “gross violation” of both Nigeria’s Constitution and international labour standards.
Mohammed cited Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association, adding that the refinery’s actions also contravene International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions ratified by Nigeria.
He expressed solidarity with the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which have also denounced the refinery’s alleged anti-worker practices.
“Such acts are unacceptable in a democracy. We stand shoulder-to-shoulder with TUC and PENGASSAN in demanding the immediate reinstatement of all affected workers,” Mohammed declared.
The ASCSN leader further endorsed TUC’s decision to place its affiliates on standby for possible nationwide action should the refinery fail to meet workers’ demands, warning that his union would fully participate if the matter remained unresolved.
“An injury to one worker is an injury to all. No employer, regardless of size or influence, will be allowed to trample on the rights and dignity of Nigerian workers,” he said.
He also called for an independent inquiry into the refinery’s labour practices, stressing that justice must prevail to protect workers’ rights.
