The management of Dangote Refinery has accused the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of behaving like “terrorists,” following the union’s directive for members to cut off crude oil and gas supply to the refinery.
In a statement released on Sunday, the refinery condemned PENGASSAN’s action, describing it as a “bully tactic” aimed at crippling the operations of one of Nigeria’s biggest energy facilities.
The company insisted that Nigerians and government authorities must resist the union’s pressure, warning that the strike could negatively affect the supply of kerosene, cooking gas, petrol, diesel, and aviation fuel across the country.
“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,” the refinery said.
According to the management, the union has repeatedly pursued interests outside those of Nigerian workers, accusing it of holding the economy hostage under the guise of labour struggles.
This face-off comes after PENGASSAN ordered members nationwide to withdraw services over the alleged sack of 800 workers by Dangote Refinery for choosing voluntary membership of the union.
The union, in turn, accused the refinery of economic sabotage and vowed not to relent until the dismissed workers were reinstated.
The standoff has heightened concerns over possible disruptions in the petroleum supply chain and broader economic implications if both parties fail to reach a compromise.
let there be peace pls o