Fuel scarcity looms as PENGASSAN rallies behind NUPENG in fight against Dangote

The dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery has deepened, as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared full support for NUPENG.

PENGASSAN warned that it may also shut down refinery operations if the company continues to block workers from joining unions.

In a statement signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN described Dangote Refinery’s refusal to allow workers to unionise as a clear violation of Nigerian labour laws and international standards.

The union said:

“Dangote Refinery has been preventing workers from joining both PENGASSAN and NUPENG since it began operations. All our efforts to convince the management have failed. The continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated.”

PENGASSAN stressed that if nothing changes, it will join NUPENG in shutting down the refinery.

“We fully support NUPENG’s demand for unionisation of not only tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and related companies. Workers have the right to organise and bargain collectively. This is essential for fair labour practices, safety, and dignity in the workplace,” the statement added.

The senior oil workers’ union also called on the Federal Government and other stakeholders to step in quickly to prevent a major crisis in the oil and gas industry.

“Failure to respect workers’ rights at Dangote Refinery will affect the entire industry. We stand united with NUPENG and will continue to fight for a fair and just workplace for all employees,” PENGASSAN said.