Dangote Refinery Accuses PENGASSAN of Sabotage, Serving Elites Over Nigerians
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), accusing the union of serial sabotage in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry and prioritizing the interests of a select few over those of the Nigerian people.
Latest Dispute Over Crude Supply
The refinery condemned PENGASSAN’s recent directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to its facility, describing it as an act of economic sabotage designed to cause hardship for millions of Nigerians. “Over time, the Association has consistently proved itself as serving interests other than those of Nigerians and Nigerian workers,” Dangote said.
History of Industrial Obstruction
Dangote recalled the 2007 attempt by its Blue Star Consortium to acquire the moribund Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries for $750 million, which PENGASSAN and its ally NUPENG opposed. The company argued that the union “ignominiously wrote their names on the wrong pages of history” by blocking a deal that could have revitalized the sector.
The refinery also criticized the union’s role in the Port Harcourt Refinery rehabilitation, calling it a “ruse” and accusing PENGASSAN of celebrating a scam at the expense of Nigerians. Similarly, it faulted the union’s resistance to amendments to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) aimed at unlocking private-sector investment.
Mismanagement Allegations
Dangote further alleged that PENGASSAN mismanages billions of naira in annual check-off dues, funding the “lavish lifestyles” of its leaders while providing little accountability. In contrast, the refinery cited its contributions through road construction, job creation, training programs, and industry-leading worker compensation packages.
“The Dangote Group is the highest employer of labour in Nigeria and the highest contributor to tax revenues at both federal and state levels. What comparable responsibility has PENGASSAN shown?” the company asked, challenging the union to publish ten years of audited accounts.
National Security Concerns
The refinery described the union’s directive to cut fuel supplies—including petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, and aviation fuel—as reckless and lawless. It warned that the move weaponizes hardship against over 230 million Nigerians and threatens critical services in hospitals, schools, emergency response, and transport systems.
Call for Federal Intervention
Dangote Refinery urged the Federal Government and security agencies to step in immediately, insisting that PENGASSAN must not be allowed to “bully Nigerians into chaos and economic sabotage.” The company reaffirmed its commitment to sustaining operations while protecting Nigeria’s energy security and economic stability.
