By Erewunmi Peace

Senator Adams Oshiomhole, former President of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and current lawmaker, has criticized the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its ongoing rift with the Dangote Refinery.

Oshiomhole described the union’s recent actions as “ill-considered”, questioning the rationale behind extending industrial action beyond the dispute at the privately-owned refinery.

PENGASSAN had earlier ordered a halt in gas supply to the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery, citing the mass dismissal of workers at the facility. The union later escalated its action into a broader shutdown affecting parts of the oil and gas sector.

According to Oshiomhole, while unions have the constitutional right to protest unfair labour practices, shutting down operations in unrelated oil entities was “misguided” and could further worsen Nigeria’s fragile energy situation.

The Dangote Refinery, which recently began operations, has been at the center of national attention. Last week, the union accused management of unfair labour practices after several workers were allegedly laid off. The standoff triggered a wave of protests and disruptions across the sector.

Meanwhile, following government intervention, reports indicate that PENGASSAN and Dangote Petroleum have reached a preliminary understanding to suspend the strike and return to the negotiation table.

This dispute underscores the growing tension between organized labour and private investors in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry — a sector already facing pressure to stabilize fuel supply and attract foreign investment.