The Dangote Refinery has reportedly offered to keep paying the salaries of dismissed workers for five years without requiring them to work, citing fears of sabotage if they remained at the facility.
According to PREMIUM TIMES, the proposal was made during a negotiation involving the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Federal Government.
While government officials expressed concerns about the financial burden of such an arrangement, Dangote management maintained it was safer and ultimately cheaper than keeping workers it no longer trusted within the refinery.
However, PENGASSAN flatly rejected the offer, insisting instead that the affected staff be redeployed across other subsidiaries of the Dangote Group.
A source familiar with the talks told PREMIUM TIMES: “Dangote offered to pay the sacked workers for five years to stay at home or do other things, but they will be paid monthly.
“They will not be allowed near the refinery because of fears of sabotage. Even though government representatives said the offer may be too much of a burden, Dangote insisted it was a lesser risk. But PENGASSAN rejected it.”
Explaining the union’s stance, PENGASSAN general secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said the adopted resolution was centred on workers’ welfare, noting that multiple options were considered before a compromise was reached.
“So, the option that he wants to pay salary for five years without any work. I don’t think the option is important at the final stage. The most important thing is that what did you agree? That’s what you will do and not, what they disagree on,” he said.
Although some sources suggested redeployment could lead to resignations if workers were posted to far-flung locations, Okugbawa dismissed the concerns as mere speculation, stressing that employees are expected to resume duties wherever assigned.
He likened the union’s role to mediating between a husband and wife, saying the ultimate goal was reconciliation and cooperation between both sides.
“All we are interested in is our workers’ welfare. Dangote refinery is losing no kobo and people should not think that we are interested in his business model. The most important thing is that these people have their jobs back,” Okugbawa added.
Background
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery recently terminated the employment of several workers over alleged sabotage, citing operational and safety risks.
The move triggered protests from PENGASSAN, which accused the refinery of anti-labour practices and directed members nationwide to withdraw services.
Following government intervention, a court order, and days of negotiations, both sides reached a deal recognising workers’ right to unionise.
Disengaged staff will now be redeployed within the Dangote Group without loss of pay.
Announcing the suspension of the strike, PENGASSAN president Festus Osifo warned the union would resume action without notice if the agreement was violated.
