By Erewunmi Peace

The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly condemned the directive issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) ordering workers to halt crude oil and gas supply to its plant.

In a statement released over the weekend, the refinery described PENGASSAN’s move as a “shocking display of lawlessness and an act of criminality”, arguing that the union has no legal authority to disrupt its operations.

The conflict arose after PENGASSAN alleged mass dismissals of Nigerian workers at the refinery. In response, the union instructed its members across production facilities to stop supplying crude oil and gas to Dangote’s plant until the issue is resolved.

However, Dangote’s management insists that the directive is illegal and harmful to Nigeria’s economy. The company accused the union of interfering in contractual agreements and warned that such actions could undermine investor confidence in the country.

PENGASSAN maintains that its intervention is necessary to protect the rights of workers allegedly laid off in large numbers by the refinery. According to reports, hundreds of Nigerian staff have recently been dismissed, a move that has sparked tension between the refinery and organized labour.

This standoff comes at a crucial time, as the $20 billion Dangote Refinery is seen as central to Nigeria’s quest for energy independence and reduced reliance on imported petroleum products. Any disruption could affect fuel supply, pricing, and government plans to stabilize the downstream oil sector.

While PENGASSAN insists it is acting in defence of workers, Dangote’s management has urged government regulators to intervene, warning that continued disruption poses serious risks to the country’s energy security.

The situation remains fluid, with industry stakeholders calling for dialogue to prevent escalation.