By Nafisat Makinde
A controversy surrounding the recruitment of 89 labourers from Katsina State to work at the Dangote Refinery in Ibeju-Lekki, Lagos, has brought the seventy percent local recruitment rule to the forefront.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has condemned the recruitment, citing a breach of labour laws and potential security risks to the local community.
According to Section 12 of the Nigerian Labour Act, companies operating in any locality are required to prioritize hiring from within that area, with a minimum of seventy percent of workers recruited locally.
This provision aims to promote employment opportunities for local residents and ensure that companies contribute to the economic development of their host communities.
The NLC has questioned the rationale behind sourcing low-skilled workers from another state when many unemployed youths live around the refinery.
The labour union argues that the recruitment process violates the seventy percent local recruitment rule and undermines job opportunities for local residents.
The minimum percentage of workers that should be recruited from the local community is 70%, as stipulated by labour laws.
The number of labourers recruited from Katsina State to work at the Dangote Refinery is 89. The estimated value of the Dangote Refinery project is approximately $28 billion.
The refinery management has distanced itself from the hiring, stating that the workers were brought in by one of its vendors and assured the public that the matter is under investigation.
The controversy surrounding the Dangote Refinery’s recruitment process has significant implications for the company, the local community, and the broader labour market.
If the allegations are found to be true, the company may face penalties and reputational damage.
Moreover, the incident may lead to increased scrutiny of companies operating in Nigeria and their adherence to labour laws.
