The Federal Government on Sunday waded into the escalating dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery following the sack of over 800 Nigerian workers.
PENGASSAN had earlier directed its members nationwide to withdraw their services, accusing the refinery of replacing local staff with more than 2,000 foreign workers under what it described as exploitative conditions. The union announced the suspension of gas and crude supply to the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery and instructed members across field locations, offices, companies, institutions, and agencies to commence strike action.
Mr. Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary of PENGASSAN, said the refinery’s actions violated Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and international conventions. He warned that the union would not fold its arms while its members were unfairly treated.
“An injury to one is an injury to all. No man is bigger than our country,” Okugbawa declared. He also disclosed that the union had declared a 24-hour nationwide prayer for courage and fairness in resolving the crisis.
Reacting, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) urged restraint, warning that a prolonged standoff could disrupt energy supply nationwide.
Gbenga Komolafe, Chief Executive of NUPRC, in a statement on Sunday, appealed to both parties to embrace dialogue.
“Regardless of the fact that the issues involved are purely mid- and downstream affairs, our take is that parties should refrain from what will cause disruption in energy supply in the country. We believe that the issues involved can be resolved amicably for the good of the country,” he said.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery condemned PENGASSAN’s strike action, describing it as economic sabotage. The management of the refinery called on the federal government to intervene and rein in the union.
The standoff has raised fears of supply disruptions and possible fuel price volatility, though the federal government has moved swiftly to prevent an escalation.