The management of Dangote Refinery has strongly criticized the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), describing their actions as nothing short of terrorism.
This development comes after PENGASSAN directed its members to suspend crude and gas supplies to the refinery over the weekend. The union’s decision was in response to Dangote Refinery’s recent mass dismissal of workers, allegedly for joining the association.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the refinery condemned the move as an act of intimidation and urged Nigerians not to succumb to what it described as “bully tactics.”
According to the management, such directives from PENGASSAN could cripple the nation’s economic activities, considering millions rely on petroleum products such as kerosene, cooking gas, petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel.
“The oligarchs in PENGASSAN have proved themselves to be terrorists and have turned the Association into a bully organisation. It is time they be called to order. Over the years, the Association has consistently served interests other than those of Nigerians and Nigerian workers,” the statement read.
On the other hand, PENGASSAN has accused Dangote Refinery of working against Nigeria’s economic interests by unjustly sacking over 800 employees, stressing that the refinery’s actions undermine labor rights.
The standoff between the refinery and the union highlights the growing tension between private sector giants and organized labor in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
