PENGASSAN Strike: Union rejects Dangote’s explanation, demands justice for sacked workers

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has assured Nigerians that its nationwide strike against the Dangote Refinery will not lead to petrol scarcity.

PENGASSAN President, Comrade Festus Osifo, confirmed that the union had shut down gas supply to the refineries but emphasized that there are enough fuel reserves to last over 30 days.

Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics, Comrade Osifo, allayed such fears but confirmed that the union had shut down gas supply to the refineries.

The strike was called in response to the alleged mass dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by the Dangote Refinery, which PENGASSAN claims is a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws and international conventions.

The union is demanding the recall of all sacked workers.

Following the strike notice, the Federal Government urged PENGASSAN to reconsider and shelve the plan.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, disclosed that invitations have been extended to both PENGASSAN leadership and Dangote Refinery management to attend an emergency meeting for conciliation. PENGASSAN has confirmed its attendance at the meeting.

PENGASSAN President stated that the union’s position remained unchanged, demanding the total recall of workers sacked by the Dangote Refinery.

Osifo also urged the Nigerian government to call Dangote to order, emphasizing that Nigeria is not a banana republic.

Osifo further emphasised that PENGASSAN’s members do not control tanker drivers, and if there’s any disruption in fuel supply, the Dangote Refinery should be held responsible.

Osifo accused Aliko Dangote of economic sabotage and urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene.

While PENGASSAN insisted that the strike won’t cause fuel scarcity, industry stakeholders are concerned about potential disruptions to petroleum supply chains and the impact on the nation’s already fragile energy sector.

Power generation companies have received shutdown notices from suppliers aligned with PENGASSAN, which could lead to nationwide blackouts.