Fuel Consumers Urge FG to Caution PENGASSAN Amid Dangote Refinery Dispute

Tensions surrounding the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery escalated over the weekend, as the Forum of Concerned Nigerian Consumers called on the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene in the brewing conflict between the refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

At a press conference in Abuja, the Forum accused the union of trying to sabotage Nigeria’s most significant private-sector energy investment, warning that such actions could trigger fuel scarcity and economic instability.

Forum President Olabisi Taiwo described PENGASSAN’s threat to shut down operations over alleged mass layoffs as “industrial blackmail,” urging the government to protect the refinery from “vested interests” undermining national energy security.

PENGASSAN had accused Dangote of violating labour laws by reportedly dismissing 800 workers for union activities. The union has called for a nationwide withdrawal of services beginning Monday.

However, the Forum criticized the union’s defiance of a court order restraining industrial action, labeling it a disregard for the rule of law and a threat to public interest.

“The Dangote Refinery is vital to Nigeria’s fuel independence. Disrupting its operations only benefits fuel importers and rent seekers,” the Forum said, urging the Ministries of Labour, Petroleum, and Justice to step in and prevent further crisis.

The 650,000 bpd refinery is currently the largest single-train facility in the world and employs over 3,000 Nigerians.