NLC slams Dangote Refinery for importing labourers from Katsina

The Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, Lagos State chapter, has issued a stern warning to the Dangote Refinery and the Lagos State Government, demanding the immediate return of 89 labourers allegedly imported from Katsina State to work at the facility in Ibeju-Lekki.

In a strongly worded statement, Lagos NLC Chairperson, Comrade Funmi Sessi described the move as a breach of Nigeria’s labour laws and a potential threat to security in the host community.

This follows the circulation of a viral video showing the newly arrived workers gathered near the refinery. The Lagos State Police Command confirmed the incident and stated that the men had been brought in for work by a contractor linked to the Dangote project. Officers were dispatched to the scene on May 14, 2025, to verify the situation.

“The presence of these workers undermines employment opportunities for local youths,” said Sessi. “Labour rules clearly state that 70 percent of employment must go to people within the host community. This action is unacceptable and violates both the law and public trust.”

She further criticized the refinery’s pattern of overlooking local talent in favor of outsiders or foreign workers, citing it as a long-standing concern. “Dangote has companies across Nigeria. Why weren’t these men employed in the North, where they’re from?” she asked.

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The labour leader urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Federal Ministry of Labour to intervene, warning that failure to act would escalate the situation and prompt national-level mobilisation by the NLC.

“This is just the beginning. If they don’t reverse this decision, we will take stronger action. This is not just about employment—it’s about justice and respect for local communities,” she added.

In response, a spokesperson for the Dangote Refinery distanced the company from the recruitment, claiming the workers were hired by a third-party vendor and that management was investigating the situation internally.

“For a project of this size, we have many vendors. We were unaware of the specific recruitment and are currently looking into it,” the spokesperson stated via text.

The controversy highlights ongoing tensions between large-scale industrial projects and local employment expectations in host communities across Nigeria.

Sahara Reporters