NLC Threatens Showdown Over Dangote Refinery’s Recruitment of 89 Northern Labourers
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to the Lagos State Government and the Dangote Refinery over the alleged recruitment of 89 “unskilled” labourers from Katsina State to work at the company facility in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The NLC condemned the action, saying it was a violation of labour laws and a potential security risk to the host community.
A viral video circulating on social media showed a large group of young men gathered in front of the Dangote Refinery premises in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The Lagos State Police Command confirmed that the individuals were recruited to work as labourers at the refinery, with a contractor affiliated with the refinery claiming he had arranged for their relocation from Katsina for legitimate employment purposes.
However, the NLC chairperson in Lagos State, Comrade Funmi Sessi, insisted that the presence of the young men constituted a security threat in the state and violated labour laws. Sessi argued that the rule of engagement and labour rules state that 70% of jobs should be given to locals, while 30% can be given to those with specialized skills.
The labour leader called on the Lagos State governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, and the Federal Ministry of Labour to intervene and demand that the Dangote Refinery return the workers to their state of origin. Sessi warned that if the refinery refuses to comply, the NLC will involve its national level to fight the act.
The Dangote Refinery has claimed that it is investigating the circumstances surrounding the presence of the workers at the refinery, stating that they were brought in by one of its vendors and that the company is looking into the matter.
