The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has fired back at the Presidency following Vice President Kashim Shettima’s remarks criticizing the union’s recent industrial action linked to a dispute with the Dangote refinery.
PENGASSAN told Said on Monday that it would take similar measures if its members were dismissed again. The statement comes amid protests in Kaduna, where some demonstrators accused the union of attempting to undermine the Dangote refinery.
Last week, PENGASSAN had shut down key oil and gas operations after allegations that the Dangote refinery dismissed 800 workers for joining the union. However, the refinery clarified that only a small number of workers were let go due to sabotage, as part of internal restructuring.
The strike by oil and gas workers in defense of their colleagues led to significant losses in oil and gas output and disruptions in electricity generation. Normalcy was restored after the Federal Government intervened, with PENGASSAN suspending its strike on Wednesday following an agreement for the redeployment of the dismissed workers to other units.
Despite the strike suspension and queues at filling stations, cooking gas prices have yet to normalize, with rates still at about ₦2,000 per kilogram in Lagos and other areas as of Monday.
At the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Vice President Shettima praised Dangote as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economy. He urged caution and patriotism from both labor and the private sector, stressing that the country must not be held hostage over minor labor disputes.
“Aliko Dangote represents an institution and a leading light in Nigeria’s economic landscape,” Shettima stated. “How we treat him shapes how the world perceives us. If he had invested abroad, his wealth could have multiplied exponentially, but he chose to invest in Nigeria. We owe it to future generations to safeguard the interests of this nation.”
Reacting, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo said that the nation is bigger than Dangote or the Presidency, emphasizing the union’s mandate to protect its members. “Should a similar situation arise, we will act accordingly,” he added. General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa echoed that Nigeria surpasses any individual or organization.
Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Abubakar Bagudu reiterated the government’s support for domestic production to stabilize the economy. He highlighted reforms since May 2023, including subsidy removal, foreign exchange deregulation, and disciplined borrowing, which have improved GDP growth and bolstered economic resilience.
Minister of Industry, Trade, and Investment Dr. Jumoke Oduwole noted that Nigeria is translating trade policies into tangible results, promoting exports, job creation, and integration into global value chains. She cited actions to streamline trade processes and enhance opportunities for Nigerian businesses abroad.
Olaniyi Yusuf, Chairman of the Nigerian Economic Summit Group, cautioned that domestic investor confidence depends on how Nigeria treats local investors, emphasizing the need for industrialization, infrastructure, and inclusive growth.
Kaduna Anti-PENGASSAN Protest
On Monday, protesters in Kaduna demonstrated in support of the Dangote refinery, accusing some labor elements and oil importers of sabotaging local refining efforts. Organized by Partners for National Economic Progress, the rally highlighted the need to protect domestic refineries and reduce dependence on imported fuel.
Speakers at the protest, including Igwe Ude-Umanta, compared the current situation to the decline of Kaduna’s textile industry due to sabotage, stressing the importance of defending local refining. They demanded government intervention to ensure equal access to crude oil for local refineries and criticized the union for actions that allegedly kept prices high.
PENGASSAN Dissolves NGIC Chapter
PENGASSAN reportedly dissolved its Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) and Nigerian Gas Marketing Limited chapter for failing to shut off gas supply to the Dangote refinery during the strike. The branch appealed, citing operational hazards and security restrictions that prevented full compliance. They stressed that their actions were limited to partial valve closures and did not constitute a complete shutdown.
The petition called for reinstatement and a fair hearing, arguing that punishing members who risked their lives during the strike could undermine union solidarity.
Dangote Thanks President Tinubu
Dangote Petroleum Refinery expressed gratitude to President Bola Tinubu for his intervention, which helped prevent further disruption by PENGASSAN. The company acknowledged the efforts of government officials, including security chiefs and ministers, who worked to restore stability in the energy sector.
