The clash between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has escalated, with management of the refinery accusing the union of economic sabotage and decades of undermining Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
In a strongly worded statement, Dangote Refinery faulted PENGASSAN’s directive ordering crude oil and gas suppliers to cut supplies to the facility. The company described the move as reckless and harmful, warning that it could worsen hardship for over 230 million Nigerians by disrupting petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, and aviation fuel distribution.
The refinery argued that PENGASSAN’s actions do not represent the interests of ordinary workers but are designed to advance the agenda of its leaders. It accused the association of mismanaging billions of naira in annual check-off dues while failing to deliver meaningful social responsibility projects. Dangote also challenged the union to publish audited financial records spanning the past ten years.
In 2007, when the government sold the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to Dangote’s Blue Star Consortium, PENGASSAN and NUPENG opposed it. Dangote said the deal was right and the unions’ resistance delayed reforms.
The company called the Port Harcourt refinery rehab a “ruse” wasting public funds and accused the union of blocking Petroleum Industry Act amendments that could attract investment.
Dangote highlighted its contributions: roads, jobs, skills training, and top compensation. It is Nigeria’s largest private employer and major taxpayer.
The company urged the government and security agencies to protect the refinery, calling PENGASSAN’s strike a threat to energy security and the economy.
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