Former Kaduna Central Senator, Shehu Sani, has appealed to Dangote Petroleum Refinery to reinstate Nigerian workers recently dismissed over their union affiliations.

The outspoken former lawmaker made the call on Monday in a statement shared via his X handle, stressing that freedom of association and the right to unionise are guaranteed under Nigerian law.

Sani also urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to suspend its directive to cut gas supplies to the refinery as part of its protest.

“Dangote should recall the workers sacked because of their decision to join their trade unions and PENGASSAN should suspend their decision to cut off gas supplies to Dangote Refinery,” Sani wrote. “The nation is proud of Dangote’s Refinery and its unprecedented level of success, but the right of workers to unionise is embedded in the laws of our country.”

His intervention comes as tensions mount between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery following reports that over 800 Nigerian workers were dismissed after joining the union.

Labour groups, including the Trade Union Congress (TUC), have since threatened a nationwide strike if the refinery does not reverse the sackings and issue a public apology.