…FG Steps In to Prevent Energy Disruptions
The Federal Government has waded into the industrial face-off between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the commencement of a nationwide strike that threatens Nigeria’s energy stability.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend its strike and attend an emergency conciliation meeting scheduled for today in Abuja.
“The petroleum sector is the backbone of our economy. A strike of this magnitude will not only cause heavy revenue losses but also plunge Nigerians into further hardship,” the minister warned.
PENGASSAN Holds Ground, Demands Recall of Members
PENGASSAN insists that the industrial action will continue unless all sacked members at the refinery are reinstated.
The union accused Dangote of terminating over 800 Nigerian workers for joining the association and replacing them with foreign nationals.
General Secretary of PENGASSAN, Lumumba Okugbawa, said:
“Freedom of association is a right, not a privilege. Only the unconditional recall of our members, including engineers transferred or dismissed, will end this strike.”
The union has already directed members nationwide to cut crude oil and gas supplies, halting operations at lifting terminals, NLNG facilities, and oil platforms.
Dangote Fires Back, Labels Union ‘Serial Saboteurs’
The management of Dangote Refinery has strongly criticised PENGASSAN, accusing it of decades-long sabotage of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a statement, the refinery alleged:
“PENGASSAN serves the interests of a few leaders rather than ordinary Nigerians. Its directive to cut fuel supplies is reckless and dangerous, designed to weaponise hardship against over 230 million Nigerians.”
Dangote Refinery further highlighted its role as the country’s largest private employer and tax contributor, stressing that its compensation packages surpass industry standards.
Other Unions, Regulators React
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has backed PENGASSAN but warned against impostors parading themselves as “elders” of its Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch.
The union insisted its leadership under Comrade Augustine Egbon remains the only recognised authority.
Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) placed its affiliates on red alert, threatening to join the strike if Dangote fails to reinstate the affected workers.
“The unjust sack of workers for unionising will not be tolerated,” said TUC Secretary-General, Nuhu Toro.
Similarly, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) appealed for dialogue, stressing the importance of preventing fuel supply disruptions.
Consumer Groups and Civil Reactions
The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum has accused PENGASSAN of attempting to sabotage the refinery, warning that its actions could trigger fresh fuel scarcity and economic instability.
At a media briefing, forum leaders declared:
“The Dangote Refinery represents Nigeria’s hope for energy independence. It must not be destroyed by reckless unionism.”
What Are The Stakes for Nigeria’s Energy Future
The Dangote Refinery, with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, was hailed as a game-changer for Nigeria’s economy.
But the ongoing dispute now threatens its operations, with ripple effects on fuel supply, national security, and economic stability.
As negotiations resume today in Abuja, all eyes remain on whether the government can broker peace between the warring parties and avert a prolonged shutdown of the nation’s energy lifeline.