The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has assured Nigerians that its operations will remain uninterrupted despite threats from oil workers’ unions to halt crude oil and gas supplies.
The conflict began after the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) directed its members to cut off supplies to the refinery in protest over the dismissal of more than 800 workers. Union leaders claim many of those affected were targeted for their union activities.
In response, the refinery management defended the restructuring exercise, describing it as necessary to safeguard operations and prevent sabotage. They strongly denied allegations of unfair dismissal.
To prevent disruption, the National Industrial Court issued an interim order barring PENGASSAN and related groups from blocking crude and gas deliveries. The court also cautioned federal agencies against assisting in any supply cuts. The matter has been adjourned to October 13 for further hearing.
Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery has reassured the public that the production of petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas will continue as normal. “Nigerians should not panic,” the company stated, emphasizing that supply will not be affected.
Despite the court’s intervention, PENGASSAN has maintained that its strike action will go on, sparking concerns of potential fuel shortages if the impasse persists.
The refinery, located in Lagos, is regarded as a flagship project in Nigeria’s energy sector, and the ongoing dispute underscores how labour-management conflicts can impact the wider economy.
Report by: Isaac Blessing | Edited by: Chris Odjomah