Oil sector crisis deepens as PENGASSAN joins NUPENG’s nationwide strike

The standoff between labour unions and Dangote Refinery has taken a new turn as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared full solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in their fight against alleged anti-union practices at Africa’s largest refinery.

PENGASSAN, in a statement by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, warned that resistance to unionisation at the refinery would no longer be tolerated, adding that the denial of workers’ rights was a recipe for industrial unrest that could trigger a nationwide fuel crisis.

“On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery,” Okugbawa said.

He accused Dangote Refinery management of resisting the membership of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG since inception despite several diplomatic interventions.

“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its inception. All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result,” he said.

While arguing that the refinery’s posture runs contrary to international labour standards and Nigerian laws, PENGASSAN said the right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace.

“We stand firmly in support of NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just Petroleum Tankers Drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies. This is in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in line with Nigerian labour laws,” Okugbawa declared.

The union further threatened to escalate the matter should the current impasse persist.

“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” the statement read.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, stressed that resolving the lingering labour crisis at Dangote Refinery requires sincere and urgent dialogue.

This is as it warned that ignoring workers’ rights to unionise could create rippling consequences across the oil and gas industry, far beyond the operations of the refinery.

Reaffirming its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), PENGASSAN said it is fully committed to advancing fair labour practices and protecting employees’ rights.

The union maintained that its joint stance with NUPENG is aimed at ensuring a just and equitable working environment for all workers at the refinery.

“We therefore urge all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues. Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.

“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” PENGASSAN said.