Dangote Refinery Hits Back at PENGASSAN, TUC: “It’s About Dues, Not Workers”
By NaijaEnquirer Staff
The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused labour unions of prioritising check-off dues and personal gain over the welfare of workers, dismissing fresh threats of nationwide strike action as reckless and self-serving.In a strongly worded statement on Monday, the refinery criticised the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for declaring “full solidarity” with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) without verifying the claims against the refinery’s management. The company described TUC’s stance as “zombie-like”, parroting union demands without balance.
“Check-Off Dues, Not Workers’ Welfare”
The refinery alleged that the agitation is driven by dues collection rather than genuine concern for employees. It cited remarks by PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo, who admitted during a Channels Television interview that the union had immediately demanded dues the day after Dangote Refinery workers allegedly unionised.
“The PENGASSAN oligarchs could not even wait 24 hours after the purported unionisation before demanding their monthly dues,” the statement read. “On account of these dues, PENGASSAN and its collaborators – including TUC – are ready to plunge Nigeria into darkness and anarchy.”
Lavish Lifestyles and Lack of Accountability
Dangote Refinery accused PENGASSAN, TUC, and allied unions such as NUPENG of failing to account for the funds collected from members. Instead, it alleged, the money funds “lavish and opulent lifestyles.”
“None of these unions bothers to give an account of their collections,” the refinery said. “We only see the proof in their extravagant lifestyles. It is time Nigerians stood up against these enemies of progress.”
National Asset Under Threat
Positioning itself as vital to Nigeria’s economic future, the refinery called on the Federal Government to resist what it described as attempts by union leaders to drag the country back to “the dark ages of energy insecurity and industrial sabotage.”
“Dangote Refinery is a national asset that requires our collective protection,” the statement read. “TUC and its cohorts must not be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of 230 million Nigerians.”
Challenge to Publish Accounts
In closing, the refinery challenged the unions to publish their audited financial records. “We demand that TUC, PENGASSAN, and NUPENG publish their 10-year audited accounts. Surely, the workers in whose name they claim to act deserve to know what has been done with their dues.”
