Somto BisinaThe Sub-Saharan African Skills and Apprenticeship Stakeholders Network has stated that Dangote Refinery hired 11,000 trained workers from India over young people from Nigeria and other African countries due to a perceived lack of necessary abilities among Nigerian youths.
The Network aims to create a national framework for skill certification in each African nation to facilitate labor migration across the continent.
During a two-day conference in Abuja, the Network emphasized the need to change the negative perception of skills and apprenticeships. It highlighted the lack of National Occupational Standards in many countries, limiting opportunities for skilled laborers to migrate within Africa.
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The Network recommended that member countries establish their National Skills Qualifications Framework with provisions for the informal sector and partner with organizations like World Skills to promote competitiveness and talent hunting among African youths.
The management of Dangote Refinery refuted the claim, stating that over 30,000 Nigerians were employed as part of the skilled labor force during the height of construction.
Additionally, 6,400 Indians and 3,250 Chinese workers were also included due to the complex project’s requirements. The company emphasized that Nigerian workers showed a high level of technical competence and that many of their latent talents were discovered.
Despite the industry-leading job creation by the Dangote Group, the corporation asked the public to dismiss these allegations and focus on the positive impact the refinery project will have on the Nigerian economy and the welfare of its people.
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