The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has issued a stern warning to both the Lagos State Government and the management of the Dangote Refinery following the recruitment of 89 unskilled labourers from Katsina State to the company’s $28 billion facility in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos.
The Lagos State chapter of the NLC condemned the move as a violation of labour laws and a potential security hazard to the local community.
The controversy erupted after a viral video showed the young men disembarking from a truck and assembling outside a company near the refinery. Comrade Funmi Sessi, Chairperson of the NLC in Lagos State, expressed her concern in an exclusive interview, stating, “My position is that what the Dangote Refinery did is very wrong. These people are low-income earners. The rule of engagement and labour rules have stated clearly that 70 per cent of those in the locality should be given the opportunity, while 30 per cent can be given to those who have skills.”
Sessi questioned the competence of the recruited youths compared to unemployed local youths, calling the act “an aberration.” She further criticized Dangote’s preference for bringing in workers from other regions and expatriates rather than employing local talent. “I believe Dangote can’t do this. He has companies in all parts of this country; why couldn’t he recruit these guys for his company in the northern part and reserve these ones for those in the South, where the refinery is situated?” she asked.
The labour leader urged Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and the Federal Ministry of Labour to intervene and ensure the return of the recruited youths to prevent a labour crisis. She added, “If Dangote refuses to do this, we will involve the NLC at the national level to fight this act of bringing 89 unskilled workers to Lagos State.”
In response, a spokesperson for the Dangote Refinery stated, “We did not know anything about them. They were brought in by one of our vendors, working in the refinery. We are already investigating the matter.” The refinery emphasized that many vendors operate on the project, which may have led to the situation.
