The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has directed its members to cut off gas supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery with immediate effect.
This is the latest development in the tussle between the refinery and the union, after Dangote on Friday laid off thousands of staff, which the workers’ body claims was due to them engaging in union activities.
The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery on Friday claimed it carried out the retrenchment to avert repeated acts of sabotage that have raised safety concerns and affected operational efficiency.
The firm dismissed speculations that the disengaged employees were those who joined the different labour unions in the petroleum industry.
“We recognise and uphold internationally accepted labour principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union. Our commitment to workers’ rights is unwavering,” it stated.
However, in a circular issued by its General Secretary, Mr Lumumba Ighotemu Okugbawa, on Saturday, the union accused the refinery’s management of disengaging its members for exercising their constitutional right to join a union.
PENGASSAN described the move as an act of victimization, further alleging that the company engaged in “misinformation and propaganda” instead of resolving the dispute through dialogue.
The directive, addressed to branch chairmen across key oil and gas companies including TotalEnergies, Seplat, Chevron, Oando, Shell, and NGIC, ordered that all crude oil supply valves to the refinery be shut and loading operations for vessels be suspended.
“NGIC Chairman, ensure that gas supply to the Refinery is cut off effective immediately,” the circular read, adding that all branch leaders must report promptly on the implementation of the directive.
PENGASSAN reaffirmed its commitment to protecting workers’ rights, stressing its popular slogan, “Injury to one, injury to all.”
Business Post understands that this development is likely to disrupt operations at the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery, at a crucial time when it is fulfilling domestic supply needs and disrupting international operations.