The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has threatened to picket the Dangote Refinery over the alleged unlawful dismissal of some of its members.
In a statement released on Friday, the union accused the refinery’s management of sacking workers without due process or respect for established labour agreements. PENGASSAN warned that it would mobilize its members across the country to shut down operations at the refinery if the matter was not swiftly addressed.
“The high-handed approach of the management is unacceptable. We will not allow our members to be treated with disdain. If immediate corrective steps are not taken, we shall move to picket the refinery and enforce compliance with labour laws,” the union declared.
The threat comes as the $20 billion facility, touted as Africa’s largest oil refinery, continues to ramp up production in phases. Analysts warn that industrial unrest could stall progress and worsen Nigeria’s already fragile energy supply situation, with possible ripple effects on fuel prices and inflation.
PENGASSAN’s Leverage
PENGASSAN is one of the most influential unions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, with a track record of shutting down production facilities and export terminals in defence of workers’ rights. Past industrial actions by the union have significantly disrupted crude oil exports, costing the country billions in lost revenue.
By targeting the Dangote Refinery—considered a strategic national asset—the union is signaling its determination to enforce compliance with fair labour practices. Labour observers note that such a move could also pressure government regulators to intervene before the situation escalates.
Calls for Government Intervention
The union has urged the Ministry of Labour and Employment, as well as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), to step in and mediate between the two parties.
As at the time of filing this report, Dangote Group had not issued an official response to the allegations.
Industry watchers are closely monitoring developments, with fears that a prolonged standoff could trigger fuel scarcity and intensify public discontent already heightened by economic hardship.
