Nationwide Strike: PENGASSAN Orders Shutdown Over Dangote Refinery Sacks
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has escalated its dispute with the Dangote Refinery, declaring an immediate nationwide strike over the dismissal of Nigerian workers. This major industrial action threatens to impact energy sector operations across the country.
The decision was formalized by the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) on Saturday, September 27. Lumumba Okugbawa, the association’s General Secretary, issued a statement condemning the refinery’s actions as a serious violation of Nigerian labour laws and the Constitution.
Key Details of the Strike Action
PENGASSAN is mobilizing a total withdrawal of services in two phases, underscoring the severity of the union’s response:
Field Locations: All PENGASSAN members working in field locations, primarily dealing with production and critical supply, were ordered to withdraw their services starting 06:00hrs on Sunday, September 28.
Offices and Institutions: Members in offices, companies, institutions, and agencies are scheduled to withdraw services beginning 00:01hrs on Monday, September 29.
Refinery Supply Suspension: The union has also announced the immediate suspension of all processes involving the supply of gas and crude to the Dangote Refinery.
Okugbawa framed the conflict as a matter of national interest and dignity, stating, “An injury to one is an injury to all. No man is bigger than our country.”
Dangote Refinery’s Rationale for Reorganization
The Dangote Group had preemptively addressed the issue on Friday, confirming that a “reorganization” was underway but denied reports of mass layoffs. The management’s public statement, shared on its official X account, offered a different narrative, asserting that the actions were necessary to protect the facility and its personnel.
The refinery management stated the reorganisation only affects a “very small number of staff” and is a measure against “repeated acts of sabotage” which have raised “safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.” It emphasized that over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively within the massive facility.
Union Allegations and Broader Context
PENGASSAN’s strong reaction is fueled by two primary allegations:
Replacement of Nigerians: The union claims the refinery has replaced the sacked Nigerian employees with over 2,000 foreign workers and is subjecting local staff to unacceptable working conditions.
Disregard for Labour Laws: The union views the unilateral sackings as a violation of Nigerian labour rights and a direct challenge to the authority of the government and the constitution.
This current crisis follows pre-existing friction between the refinery and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), PENGASSAN’s sister union. NUPENG had previously raised concerns about the refinery’s refusal to recognize union rights for tanker drivers and other employees, leading to an earlier resolution signed in the presence of federal ministers.
NUPENG subsequently alleged the refinery attempted to violate the agreed protocols by instructing drivers to remove union stickers and forcefully load the facility.
The nationwide strike by PENGASSAN, a powerful union in Nigeria’s critical oil and gas sector, signals a major industrial confrontation and pressures the government to mediate between one of the nation’s most influential businesses and its labour bodies.
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