NLC Threatens Showdown Over 89 Labourers Recruited for Dangote Refinery

Labour Union Alleges Violation of Employment Laws

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to both the Lagos State Government and Dangote Refinery following reports of 89 unskilled workers being recruited from Katsina State for the company’s $28 billion facility in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.

Security Concerns Raised Over Recruitment Process

The NLC’s Lagos State chapter has condemned the move, describing it as both a violation of labour laws and a potential security risk to the local community. The controversy began when a viral video showed the young men arriving at the refinery site.

Police Investigation Confirms Legitimate Recruitment

Lagos State Police Command spokesperson Benjamin Hundeyin confirmed that preliminary investigations revealed the 89 men were legitimately recruited as labourers for the refinery project. However, this explanation has failed to satisfy labour leaders.

NLC’s Strong Opposition

Comrade Funmi Sessi, Lagos NLC Chairperson, strongly criticized the recruitment, stating: “The rule of engagement clearly states that 70% of workers should come from the local community, with only 30% being skilled outsiders. What special skills do these recruits have that unemployed Lagos youth don’t possess?”

Sessi called on Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Federal Ministry of Labour to intervene, warning of potential labour unrest if the situation isn’t resolved. She also criticized Dangote’s alleged preference for foreign workers over qualified Nigerians.

Dangote Refinery’s Response

The refinery management has distanced itself from the recruitment, stating the workers were brought in by a third-party vendor. A spokesperson said: “We didn’t know anything about them. They were brought by one of our vendors. We’re currently investigating the matter.”

The situation remains tense as the NLC threatens to escalate the matter to national levels if their demands aren’t met.

Credit to original source: The Citizen