By Eniola Phillips
The Lagos State Chapter of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has officially appealed to Dangote Industries Ltd. to permit its employees to join workers’ unions. The call was made by Mrs. Funmi Sesi, the Chairperson of the NLC, Lagos State Chapter, during a visit to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Fertiliser Plant. The visit included members of the Labour Writers Association of Nigeria and other officials from the state’s NLC chapter.
Sesi emphasized that allowing workers to unionize is crucial for their rights and welfare. She stated that unionization would help in organizing workers, addressing their concerns effectively, and ultimately leading to improved operations for the company. She made a direct appeal, saying, “On behalf of NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, we want to say: Dangote, please give us a chance to unionise your workers.”
The labour leader also highlighted the importance of employing workers from the company’s host communities. She referenced a labour law that mandates 70% of a workforce to be from the local catchment area, with the remaining 30% being expatriates. She urged the company to adhere to this law.
In response, Mr. Devakumar Edwin, the Vice President of Oil and Gas for Dangote Industries Ltd., affirmed the company’s commitment to training and employing members of its host communities. He mentioned an existing training center in Obajana, Kogi State, and the company’s plans to establish another one in Lagos. Edwin also pointed out that the Dangote Group has become a “nurturing ground” for Nigerian engineers, scientists, and technicians, with many having gone on to work as expatriates in various countries. He assured the NLC of the company’s dedication to human capital development, staff welfare, and the overall economic well-being of the nation.
