Members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have embarked on a nationwide strike, shutting down key facilities, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Abuja. The industrial action follows PENGASSAN’s National Executive Committee’s directive, protesting the alleged “illegal sack” of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Refinery.

Background of the Dispute

The dispute centers around Dangote Refinery’s decision to terminate the services of over 800 Nigerian workers, which PENGASSAN claims is a violation of labor laws, the Nigerian Constitution, and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions. The union alleges that the refinery has replaced the dismissed workers with over 2,000 foreign nationals, mainly Indians. However, Dangote Refinery has denied these allegations, stating that the restructuring was necessary to improve efficiency and prevent acts of sabotage.

Strike Impact

The strike has brought the oil sector to a standstill, with PENGASSAN members halting crude and gas supply to the refinery. The union has also directed its members to stage 24-hour prayer vigils and has called on the government to intervene in the dispute. The strike may disrupt fuel supply, leading to severe hardship for Nigerians and significant revenue losses for the country.

Government Intervention

The Federal Government has stepped in to resolve the dispute, with Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, convening an emergency meeting with PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery. Dingyadi has appealed to both parties to be mindful of the impact of the strike on the nation’s economy and security. The meeting aims to find an amicable solution to the dispute and prevent further disruptions to the oil sector.

PENGASSAN’s Position

PENGASSAN insists that the strike will continue until the dismissed workers are reinstated. The union’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, has stated that only the unconditional recall of the affected workers will end the strike. PENGASSAN has also accused Dangote Refinery of violating workers’ rights and attempting to undermine the union.

*Dangote Refinery’s Response*

Dangote Refinery has maintained that the restructuring was necessary to improve efficiency and prevent acts of sabotage. The refinery has also accused PENGASSAN of attempting to sabotage the facility and disrupt the nation’s economy. The company insists that over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work at the refinery, contradicting PENGASSAN’s claims of mass sackings.