Nigeria News Today: PENGASSAN Enforces Dangote Refinery Shutdown Over Mass Sacking

By Andrew Haruna | The Bureau News

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has enforced a total shutdown of the Dangote Refinery plant in Lagos, escalating its industrial action over the mass sacking of workers. The strike, which intensified on Sunday, has disrupted crude and gas supply to the facility.

Extent of the Shutdown

According to the union, the refinery plant is now 100 percent shut down, while fertiliser plant train two has also been completely shut. Fertiliser plant train one is operating at only 60 percent capacity, and the diesel plant remains partially functional. PENGASSAN further claimed that its members have shut oil installations nationwide.

Dangote’s Response

In a statement issued on Saturday, the Dangote Refinery described PENGASSAN’s action as “economic sabotage,” accusing the union of destabilizing critical national infrastructure. The company has yet to confirm the extent of the shutdown reported by the union.

Regulatory Intervention

The Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) has urged both Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue to resolve the dispute. Officials emphasized the importance of maintaining stability in the oil and gas sector, which remains vital to Nigeria’s economy.

Background to the Dispute

The labour crisis stems from Dangote Refinery’s decision to sack over 800 workers allegedly for belonging to the union. PENGASSAN condemned the move as an attack on workers’ rights, vowing to sustain industrial action until reinstatements or fair negotiations are achieved.

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