Former Senator Shehu Sani has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery to settle their ongoing dispute through dialogue, warning that a nationwide strike would harm all Nigerians. Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on September 28, 2025, Sani emphasized the need for a peaceful resolution to avoid damaging the refinery’s global reputation and Nigeria’s economy.
Sani praised Dangote Refinery as a national pride, noting its status as Africa’s largest refinery. However, he stressed that workers’ constitutional right to unionize must be respected. “Only when workers disrupt operations should measures be taken, but to sack them for joining unions is wrong,” he said. He highlighted the clash between Dangote’s need for smooth production and the unions’ role in protecting workers’ rights, urging both sides to find common ground.
PENGASSAN’s Strike Action
PENGASSAN ordered a nationwide shutdown, accusing Dangote Refinery of sacking 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with over 2,000 foreign workers, primarily Indians. The union directed members to halt gas and crude supplies to the refinery, stating, “All control room and field operations must stop without delay.” PENGASSAN vowed that operations would not resume until the sacked workers are reinstated, adding, “No man is bigger than our country.”
TUC Backs PENGASSAN
The Trade Union Congress (TUC) also condemned the alleged dismissals, with Secretary General Nuhu Toro calling them a violation of Nigeria’s constitution and International Labour Organization conventions. The TUC demanded the workers’ reinstatement and a public apology from Dangote, warning that its affiliates are ready for a possible nationwide strike. “No corporation will be allowed to trample on workers’ rights,” Toro declared.
Dangote Refinery’s Defense
Dangote Refinery denied the allegations, stating that the reorganization affected only a few workers and was necessary to “prevent sabotage and ensure safety.” The company claimed over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed and accused PENGASSAN of “criminal conduct” and economic sabotage by cutting supplies. It warned that the shutdown could disrupt fuel availability and government revenue, urging federal intervention.
Government’s Mediation Efforts
The Federal Government, through Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend the strike planned for Monday, September 29, 2025. The Ministry of Labour has organized an emergency meeting in Abuja with both PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery management to resolve the dispute. Dingyadi called for a peaceful atmosphere to facilitate talks, as confirmed in a statement by Patience Onuobia, Head of Information and Public Relations.
The outcome of Monday’s meeting could determine whether Nigeria avoids a major economic disruption in its oil sector.
