The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has condemned the decision by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to call a nationwide strike, describing it as an attempt to hold Nigerians to ransom for selfish interests.
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In a strongly worded statement issued yesterday, the refinery dismissed PENGASSAN’s claim of mass sack of Nigerian staff as “falsehood,” stressing that over 3,000 Nigerians are still gainfully employed at the refinery. The management clarified that while a minor reorganization had led to the exit of a few staff, it was neither arbitrary nor targeted, but done in the overall interest of the refinery’s efficiency.
Dangote Refinery warned that shutting down fuel supply over unverified allegations would cause untold hardship to millions of Nigerians who depend on petroleum products such as kerosene, diesel, cooking gas, petrol, and aviation fuel. It noted that such actions could endanger lives, especially those in hospitals, care facilities, and everyday workers whose livelihoods depend on energy availability.
The statement urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the Nigerian people to resist what it called “bullying tactics” and “blackmail” by the Association. “If any staff or ex-staff has grievances, the law and proper channels exist for redress. PENGASSAN should not incite unrest or cripple essential services,” the management said.
Citing past instances where PENGASSAN opposed reforms in the oil sector, including the 2007 sale of moribund refineries and recent debates around the Petroleum Industry Act, the refinery accused the Association of working against Nigeria’s economic progress.
“Dangote Group remains Nigeria’s largest private employer of labour and a leading contributor to government revenues. We find it troubling that PENGASSAN, despite collecting billions in union dues, has failed to account for its own activities or publish its financial records,” the statement read.
The refinery described itself as a national asset that must be safeguarded from actions capable of derailing Nigeria’s economic recovery and energy security. It challenged PENGASSAN and its ally, NUPENG, to publish their audited accounts for the past 10 years to prove transparency and accountability.
“An injury to Dangote Refinery is an injury to Nigeria,” the statement concluded.
