By our reporter
In a recent twist to the labor dispute involving Dangote Petroleum Refinery, sources have revealed that the Dangote Group offered to pay salaries to disengaged workers for five years without requiring them to work. The offer came with a condition that the workers would stay away from the refinery premises.
The company reportedly made the proposal out of concern that some of the laid-off workers, who were recently involved in union activities, might pose a risk to the facility’s operations if allowed back. Under the arrangement, the workers would receive their full monthly salaries for five years while staying at home or pursuing other personal interests, but they would not be allowed to return to or work at the refinery.
However, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) rejected the offer. The union insisted that the workers should be reassigned to other parts of the Dangote Group, rather than being paid to remain idle. Union leaders said the offer undermined the workers’ skills and professional value and could be seen as a form of silent punishment.
Following intervention from the federal government, Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers to other business units within its network. This deal ensures that workers retain their pay and employment status, though not necessarily within the refinery itself.
The union has since suspended its strike, but it noted that some concerns remain, particularly regarding the specifics of the redeployment, such as where the workers will be sent and how union representation will be maintained in their new roles.
The conflict initially arose after more than 800 workers were reportedly laid off. Many of them had participated in efforts to unionize the workforce at the refinery. Dangote Group has not issued an official statement confirming the number of workers involved or the details of the salary offer.
Further updates are expected as the agreement is implemented and discussions continue on the remaining unresolved issues.
