Senator Ali Ndume, representing Borno South, has called on President Bola Tinubu to dissolve the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) if it continues to prioritize private interests over the public good. His remarks come in response to PENGASSAN’s nationwide strike, initiated on Saturday, protesting the dismissal of over 800 workers by Dangote Refinery. The refinery described the strike as an attempt to exacerbate hardship for Nigerians.
Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time on Monday, Ndume criticized PENGASSAN’s actions, arguing that the union’s demands on a private entity like Dangote Refinery are unjustified. “PENGASSAN is meant to serve Nigerians, not a few individuals at the nation’s expense,” he said, emphasizing the critical role of the petroleum sector. “You can’t force someone to join a union in a free country like Nigeria.”
Ndume accused the union of holding Nigerians “by the neck” and questioned their authority to impose demands on a private business. “Dangote is a private businessman who built a refinery. Workers don’t own the oil or gas resources,” he stated. He also criticized PENGASSAN’s silence during key issues, such as the removal of fuel subsidies and the reliance on imported fuel when local refineries were non-functional.
Urging decisive action, Ndume suggested that Tinubu issue an executive order to dissolve the union if necessary. “In this case, I don’t mind if the president acts like a dictator. Some situations require drastic measures,” he said.
