NNPCL targets 20 per cent ownership stake in Dangote Refinery.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) said it plans to increase its ownership stake in Dangote Refinery to 20 per cent from 7.2 per cent.

NNPCL Group Chief Executive Officer, Bayo Ojulari, disclosed this in his remarks at the Abu Dhabi International Petroleum Exhibition and Conference 2025.

According to him, the move is part of the state-owned firm’s strategy to deepen participation in the country’s energy value chain.

“The company is working towards increasing its stake in Nigeria’s Dangote Refinery to 20 per cent,” Ojulari was quoted by Reuters as saying.

This comes as the President of Dangote Refinery, Aliko Dangote, recently said the NNPCL could expand its stake. He, however, noted that this would only happen after Dangote Refinery had proven to NNPCL what the plant can do.

NNPCL retail outlets in Abuja also reduced their petrol pump price to N945 per litre from N955 as supply glitches at the Dangote Refinery eased.

BUA Refinery: Nigeria’s Next Big Move to End Fuel Import Dependence

Nigeria is set for another major breakthrough in its energy sector as BUA Group pushes forward with the construction of its new 200,000 barrels-per-day refinery in Akwa Ibom State. Led by billionaire industrialist Abdul Samad Rabiu, the project aims to strengthen Nigeria’s ability to refine its own crude oil locally — a crucial step toward ending decades of fuel import dependence.

A Game Changer for Nigeria’s Economy

For years, Nigeria has exported crude oil only to import refined fuels at high costs. With the new BUA refinery coming onstream, this cycle is expected to change dramatically. The refinery will produce:
• Petrol (PMS)
• Diesel (AGO)
• Aviation fuel (Jet A1)
• LPG (cooking gas)
• Petrochemicals

This means more jobs, cheaper domestic fuel, and extra revenue for the nation through exports.

Why This Refinery Matters

✔ Supports fuel supply stability
✔ Reduces foreign exchange pressure
✔ Expands Nigeria’s refining capacity
✔ Encourages competition with other refineries — especially Dangote Refinery
✔ Boosts development in the Niger Delta region

The refinery is already attracting international partners in engineering, technology, and infrastructure.

Driving Local Content & Industrial Growth

BUA Group is one of Nigeria’s fastest-growing conglomerates — with investments in:
• Cement
• Foods & sugar
• Port operations
• Real estate
• Energy & power

The refinery project expands BUA’s footprint into the petroleum value chain, helping to keep more wealth within Nigeria.

Looking Ahead

Once completed, the BUA refinery will become one of West Africa’s largest privately-owned refineries, adding healthy competition to the market and supporting Nigeria’s long-awaited shift toward full downstream independence.

“Nigeria should not be importing fuel when we have crude oil.”
— Abdul Samad Rabiu

The journey continues — and the results could reshape the nation’s economic future.

NNPCL Reduces Petrol Price by N10 as Supply Reportedly Improves.

The Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) has reduced the pump price of petrol as fuel supply from the Dangote Refinery stabilises.

On Saturday, NNPCL adjusted the retail price at its outlets from N955 to N945 per litre, reflecting a N10 reduction. The revised price has already taken effect at stations in areas such as Gwarimpa and Wuse Zone 4 in Abuja.

Other petrol marketers have also followed suit, with stations like Eterna adjusting their pump price to N945 per litre.

The price drop comes after weeks of nationwide increase caused by supply challenges at the Dangote Refinery. Improved distribution from the refinery & product importers has now eased the pressure on fuel supply.

However, there are concerns that prices could climb again, following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s recent approval of a 15% import tax on petrol & diesel, a move analysts say may impact pump prices in the coming weeks.

[10/31, 8:07 PM] null: Presidency Defends 15% Fuel Import Tariff.

The Presidency has confirmed President Bola Tinubu’s approval of a 15% import duty on petrol and diesel, saying the move is intended to boost local refining and reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

The announcement was made by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Public Communications, Sunday Dare, in a statement posted on X on Friday. He described the policy as “a bridge, not a burden,” aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy sector for long-term stability.

Dare said the tariff is meant to discourage fuel importation, encourage investment in domestic refining, and help Nigeria take control of its energy supply after years of depending on foreign refineries.

He noted that despite being a major crude oil producer, Nigeria has spent years importing refined products, which drained foreign exchange and cost the nation jobs.

According to him, the new policy gives a competitive edge to local refineries such as Dangote Refinery, the Port Harcourt Refinery, and modular refineries currently being developed.

“By making imported fuel less competitive, the government is tilting the market in favour of local refineries, laying the groundwork for a self-sustaining and resilient energy sector,” he stated.

Dare added that as local refining output increases, fuel availability will improve and pump prices are expected to stabilize, while job creation and industrial activity expand.

However, petroleum marketers have warned that the policy could push petrol prices above ₦1,000 per litre in the short term. Government officials argue that temporary price pressure is necessary to secure long-term gains.

The 15% tariff will take effect after a 30-day transition period, ending November 21, 2025.

Fuel prices will eventually moderate – Tinubu Spokesperson on 15% petrol import duty.

Spokesperson to President Bola Tinubu, Sunday Dare, has claimed the president’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel is a bridge and not a burden on Nigerians.

Dare made the assertions in a statement on his X account on Friday, while reacting to Tinubu’s approval of a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel.

Recall that there has been diverse reactions from Nigerians, stakeholders and economists alike over the new tariffs and their possible impact on the price of fuel and diesel.

In a clarification, Dare said the policy is designed to reverse the fuel and diesel import dependency trend by encouraging local refining, boosting domestic capacity, and ensuring that Nigeria’s oil wealth translates directly into national prosperity.

He noted that the tariff will mark imported fuel as less competitive and encourage local refineries such as Dangote Refinery.

He said as local refining ramps up and supply strengthens, prices of petrol are expected to moderate while jobs, investment, and industrial activity expands.

“It’s no longer news that President Bola Ahmed Tinubu has approved a 15 per cent import duty on petrol and diesel—a bold and strategic move aimed at reshaping Nigeria’s energy landscape.

“For years, the nation has depended heavily on imported fuel despite being a leading crude oil producer, draining foreign exchange and exporting jobs that should have been created at home

Fuel price increase looms as tinubu approves 15% import tariff on petrol,diesel.

Fuel prices in Nigeria are expected to increase as President Bola Tinubu has approved a 15% import tariff on petrol and diesel, to take effect immediately.

According to a government document obtained by THISDAY, the decision aims to protect local refineries, stabilise prices, and strengthen energy security under the administration’s Renewed Hope Agenda. While the tariff could push pump prices up by about ₦150 per litre, the report stated that the real impact may not exceed ₦100 per litre.

The directive, copied to the Attorney General, FIRS Chairman, and NMDPRA Chief Executive, introduces a 15% ad-valorem duty on the Cost, Insurance, and Freight (CIF) value of imported fuels. Payments will be made into a designated federal government account, verified by the NMDPRA before any fuel is discharged.

The policy is intended to prevent cheap imports from undercutting local refiners like the Dangote Refinery, and to ensure fair competition in the downstream market. Though the proposal suggested a 30-day transition period, the President reportedly ordered immediate implementation.

Officials insist the move is not revenue-driven, but designed to align import costs with domestic realities while keeping prices lower than those in neighbouring countries.

However, industry stakeholders have raised concerns, warning that the tariff could further strain consumers, as Nigeria still imports over 60% of its refined petroleum products.

Nigerian petrol marketers to dump Dangote Refinery for cheaper fuel.

Nigerian petroleum product marketers have announced plans to abandon Dangote Refinery’s petrol in favour of cheaper imported fuel.

The spokesperson of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria, IPMAN, Chinedu Ukadike, disclosed this to DAILY POST on Friday.

This follows the drop in the landing cost of imported fuel to N839.97 per litre, which is N37 cheaper than Dangote Refinery’s gantry petrol price of N877 per litre.

Commenting on the development, Ukadike hinted that petroleum marketers would opt for imported fuel to enable Nigerians to access cheaper petrol.

He noted that the price disparity was a result of the liberalisation and deregulation of the country’s downstream sector.

“It is due to the liberalisation of the sector, which has set the tune for a price war. Marketers now have the option to buy either at N877 per litre with Dangote Refinery or N839 with MEMAN.
“The concern here is why would a local refinery (Dangote) sell petrol higher than imported ones?
“As petroleum product marketers, Nigerians are interested in buying petrol that is cheaper. When we have cheaper fuel, it sells faster,” he told DAILY POST.

ex-depot prices of Emedab, Gulf Treasure, Ardova and Bono stood at N875 per litre, while that of Dangote Refinery remained at N877.

As of Friday evening, petrol was being sold at between N950 and N965 per litre at Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, NNPCL, MRS, Ranoil, Total and Emedab retail outlets in Abuja.

Dangote Refinery deploys CNG trucks to distribute petrol at N850 per litre.

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has intensified efforts through the use of Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks to distribute Premium Motor Spirit, PMS, also known as petrol at N850 per litre to different parts of the nation.

Chief Executive officer of Petroleumprice.ng, Olatide Jeremiah, said: “Generally, the depot prices have increased. Market data showed that petrol sold between ¦ 870 and ¦ 900 per litre at key depots in Lagos and Calabar, reflecting a steady climb over the past week.

“In Lagos, where most private depots rely on imported supply, prices remained elevated even after recent reviews. Aiteo and Pinnacle both sold petrol at ¦ 890 and ¦ 870 per litre, respectively, while Integrated Oil and Gas priced PMS at ¦ 870 per litre.

“At Calabar, Matrix Energy and Northwest Petroleum traded at ¦ 890 and ¦ 880 per litre, while Sobaz Depot hit ¦ 900 per litre —the highest recorded so far this month.”

“The hike in depot prices would likely crash once the Dangote Petroleum Refinery completes its rehabilitation because the plant has the capacity to impact the domestic market.”

However, the retail prices of petrol have increased by 6.8 percent to N955 per litre, from N890 per litre sold last week.

The NNPCL, and stations owned by Independent Marketers in Lagos and Abuja showed that the petrol was dispersed between N900 and N955 per litre.

Also, petrol marketers across Abuja, the nation’s capital, on Tuesday increased their pump price by over N50 per litre following a similar increase by NNPC Limited.

Dangote Refinery: NEPZA insists on no strike or lockout in free trade zones.

The Nigeria Export Processing Zones Authority (NEPZA) has said there will be no strike or lockout in the Dangote refinery, as it reaffirms the Authority law to enforce a 10-year ban on industrial strikes and lockouts in the Free Trade Zones.

A statement signed by the Managing Director, NEPZA, Dr. Olufemi Ogunyemi, said due to the frequent and excessive external union infiltrations that have destabilised the smooth operation of the Dangote Refinery, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the shutting down of critical oil and gas facilities last week over allegations that Dangote refinery had sacked 800 workers who joined the union, the Authority has to re-enforce the law.

“Even though the Dangote refinery held that it only sacked a few workers who were allegedly sabotaging the facility, claiming this was part of the company’s reorganisation, the Authority reaffirms its commitment to the rule of the book that there should not be industrial strike or lockout whatsoever in the premises of the Free Trade Zone.”

The MD added: “The recent escalation of the trade dispute between the zone and the PENGASSAN, particularly given the refinery’s status as a Free Trade Zone, was worrisome.

“The trade union should have directed its concerns through NEPZA, as required by law, as the Authority operated a One-Stop-Shop administrative model to fast-track processes.

“Section 18(5) of the Nigeria Export Processing Zones (NEPZA) Act provides that there shall be no strikes or lock-outs for a period of ten years following the commencement of operations within a Zone, and the Authority shall resolve any trade dispute arising within a Zone.

“The above provision imposes a 10-year prohibition on strikes and lockouts within Free Zones while still allowing workers to join or form trade unions and engage in collective bargaining.

“We are pleased that the conflict has been de-escalated. Dangote Refinery is declared FTZ that continues to benefit from tax incentives and customs duty waivers to support the economy.

PENGASSAN fires back at Shetima for condemning its strike action against Dangote.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has criticized the Vice President Kashim Shettima over his comments condemning its strike action against the Dangote refinery.

PENGASSAN Fires Back At Shettima For Condemning Its Strike Action Against Dangote
Last week, the PENGASSAN shut down key oil and gas facilities in protest against the alleged dismissal of 800 workers by the Dangote refinery for joining the union.

The refinery, however, denied the claim, insisting it only dismissed a few employees accused of sabotaging operations as part of its internal restructuring.

The strike caused disruptions in oil and gas production and affected electricity generation nationwide.

After government intervention, PENGASSAN suspended the strike on Wednesday when the Dangote Group agreed to redeploy the affected workers to other business divisions.

Despite the resolution, fuel queues persisted in some cities, and the cost of cooking gas remained high, selling for around N2,000 per kilogram in Lagos and other areas.

Speaking at the opening of the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja on Monday, Shettima described Aliko Dangote as more than an individual, calling him a major institution in Nigeria’s economy.

The vice president warned that no group or association should hold the nation to ransom, saying Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN.

In its response, PENGASSAN’s National President, Festus Osifo, stated that Nigeria is also greater than Dangote and the Presidency.

Nigerians Groan as Cooking Gas Price Hits ₦1,800 Per Kilogram Amid Shortage.

The cost of Liquefied Petroleum Gas (LPG), commonly known as cooking gas, has surged sharply across several Nigerian cities, including Lagos, Ogun, and Ibadan, following a nationwide shortage.

The scarcity was triggered by a three-day strike by oil workers, which disrupted gas supply and distribution across the country. Prices have also spiked in other states such as Port Harcourt, Cross River, Kano, and Kaduna.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) had embarked on the strike last week to protest the dismissal of some workers at the Dangote Refinery. Although the strike has since been suspended, the brief disruption in supply caused many gas depots to run dry, leading to rationing and steep price hikes.

In many parts of the country, the price of cooking gas has jumped from around ₦1,000 per kilogram to between ₦1,600 and ₦1,800.

In Abuja, refilling a 12.5kg cylinder now costs between ₦17,000 and ₦18,750, depending on the location. In districts such as Wuse, Garki, and Kubwa, a kilogram of LPG sells for ₦1,350 to ₦1,500, while some outlets in Jabi offer a 12.5kg refill for about ₦17,000.

Retailers in the city report that many outlets ran out of stock by Sunday, while those still selling gas increased their prices significantly.

A similar situation is unfolding in Lagos and Ogun States, where the price per kilogram rose from about ₦1,000 and ₦1,100 respectively last week to between ₦1,300 and ₦1,800 over the weekend.

Across Nigeria, households and small businesses continue to feel the impact of the gas shortage, as prices soar daily with no immediate relief in sight.

"Dangote is an institution, how we treat him will determine how outsiders will judge us" — VP Shettima warns PENGASSAN.

Vice President Kashim Shettima has called on Nigerians to respect and protect the multibillion-dollar investment of Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, describing it as essential to the nation’s economic stability and growth.

He emphasized that the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery represents a national asset critical to Nigeria’s industrial expansion and global competitiveness. 

His remarks came amid the recent industrial action by oil workers under the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the alleged dismissal of about 800 unionized employees. 

IThe strike was later suspended after the intervention of Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi and National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu.

Shettima lauded Dangote’s decision to invest heavily in Nigeria rather than taking his capital abroad. 

He said, “Aliko Dangote, he’s not an individual, he’s an institution, and he’s a leading light in Nigeria’s economic parliament. And how we treat this gentleman will determine how outsiders will judge us. If he had invested $10 billion in Microsoft, in Amazon, or in Google, he probably might be worth $70 to $80 billion by now. But he opted to invest in his country, and we owe it to future generations to jealously protect, promote, preserve, and protect the interests of this great Nigeria.”

The Vice President also urged labour unions and the private sector to exercise restraint and patriotism when handling industrial disputes, warning that rash actions could jeopardize the nation’s progress.

“It’s not about holding the whole nation to ransom because of a minor labour dispute. Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN. Nigeria is greater than each and every one of us. I’m not coming to you as a partisan,” he added.

Retired Judge wants govt to sack PENGASSAN as association.

Following the dispute between the management of Dangote Refinery and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the dismissal of some PENGASSAN staff by the Dangote
Petroleum Refinery, the retired Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court of Justice, Hon. Justice Mwada Balami, has called on the Federal Government to sack the PENGASSAN as an association for the sake of economic stability of the country.

Balami, who made this call while speaking to Peoples Daily on the state of the nation, said PENGASSAN was a threat to the government for so long now in terms of industrial strike in the country.

He expressed dismay over the activities of PENGASSAN which he said had been creating economic hardships for the people of Nigeria.

Twist As PENGASSAN Denies Signing Dangote Truce To Suspend Strike.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has distanced itself from the federal government communique that announced the suspension of its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery, insisting it did not sign the document.

Fresh Twist As PENGASSAN Denies Signing Dangote Truce To Suspend Strike
the union suspended its industrial action on Wednesday, October 1, after government intervention, but stressed that its concerns over the welfare of more than 800 sacked workers were not fully addressed.

Appearing on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, October 2, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, explained that the communique presented after the negotiations was not an agreement between the parties.

“If you see that communiqué, we did not sign it. Normally, it is supposed to be signed by three parties. We did not sign because we felt that some things in it were not okay with us,” Osifo said.

He clarified that the communiqué was only a communication by the Minister of Labour and Employment, who acted as chief conciliator in the matter.

Union Insists On Workers’ Reinstatement
Osifo said the core of PENGASSAN’s demand was the reinstatement of the disengaged staff.

“The statement that Dangote made on workers sabotaging the economy was totally incorrect. If we had allowed that sabotage tag to stand, those 800 people would not be able to secure jobs in the future. That stigma would remain forever. Clearing that was a very big win,” he said.

The union leader dismissed suggestions that PENGASSAN’s fight was about check-off dues, stressing that the priority was ensuring its members could return to work and provide for their families.

“Our position is clear: take the people back to the refinery. That is all we asked for,” he insisted.

Nigerian Govt, PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery reach truce.

The Federal Government, on Tuesday, brokered a truce between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Muhammad Maigari-Dingyadi, made this known in a statement on Wednesday at the end of a two-day conciliation meeting in Abuja.

The meeting, which held on Monday and Tuesday, brought together the National Security Adviser, Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and State for Petroleum (Gas), alongside the DSS, NIA, NNPCL, NMDPRA, NUPRC and labour leaders.

Recall that the conciliation was convened after PENGASSAN directed its members to stop gas supply and withdraw services from the refinery.

PENGASSAN had alleged that the company terminated the employment of more than 800 of its members, which triggered the industrial action.

Meanwhile, Dangote Refinery explained that the disengagement of workers was due to an ongoing restructuring exercise in the company.

According to the communiqué, the meeting resolved that unionisation is a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law and must be respected by the company.

Dangote Group Agrees to Recall Sacked Refinery Workers.

The Dangote Group has agreed to rehire workers recently dismissed from its refinery following a peace meeting with stakeholders.

The resolution was announced on Wednesday following two days of peace talks between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and the refinery’s management.

The agreement has also led to the suspension of PENGASSAN’s two-day strike against the company.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, who presided over the meetings, reminded both parties that Nigerian law guarantees the right of workers to unionise and that such rights must be respected.

According to the communique issued after the meeting, the Dangote Group will immediately begin the process of reabsorbing disengaged staff into other companies within the conglomerate, with no loss of pay.

Both parties also agreed that no worker would be victimised for their role in the dispute, while PENGASSAN confirmed that it would begin the process of calling off its strike.

Politics: Nigeria recalls that PENGASSAN declared a strike on Sunday, directing its members to halt gas and crude supply to the Dangote Refinery in protest against the dismissal of workers.

The resolution is expected to ease tensions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which had been on edge since the industrial action was declared.

Dangote group agrees to recall all sacked refinery workers.

The Dangote Group has agreed to rehire workers recently dismissed from its refinery following a peace meeting with stakeholders.

The resolution was announced on Wednesday following two days of peace talks between the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and the refinery’s management.

The agreement has also led to the suspension of PENGASSAN’s two-day strike against the company.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, who presided over the meetings, reminded both parties that Nigerian law guarantees the right of workers to unionise and that such rights must be respected.

According to the communique issued after the meeting, the Dangote Group will immediately begin the process of reabsorbing disengaged staff into other companies within the conglomerate, with no loss of pay.

Both parties also agreed that no worker would be victimised for their role in the dispute, while PENGASSAN confirmed that it would begin the process of calling off its strike.

Politics: Nigeria recalls that PENGASSAN declared a strike on Sunday, directing its members to halt gas and crude supply to the Dangote Refinery in protest against the dismissal of workers.

The resolution is expected to ease tensions in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, which had been on edge since the industrial action was declared.

Aliko Dangote, Wale Edun, PENGASSAN currently meeting over labour dispute.

Aliko Dangote, the founder of Dangote refinery, Wale Edun, the minister of finance and coordinating minister of the economy, and representatives of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) are currently meeting over the ongoing labour dispute, TheCable understands.

The meeting, which was moved to the office of the national security adviser (NSA), follows the failure of earlier talks between the two parties to resolve the lingering industrial dispute.

Abubakar Bagudu, the minister of budget and economic planning. Mohammed Dingyadi, minister of labour and employment, and representatives of the Department of State Services (DSS), are present at the meeting.

The ministry of labour first convened a reconciliation session on Monday, with Dingyadi and Nkiruka Onyejeocha, minister of state for labour and employment, in attendance.

On September 29, the Trade Union Congress (TUC) called on the management of Dangote refinery to reverse the employment termination of “over 800 Nigerian employees”.

The directive comes amid a dispute between the refinery and PENGASSAN over the mass dismissal of employees.

PENGASSAN, on September 26, instructed its members to embark on a nationwide strike over the dismissal.

Reacting to the development in a statement on Monday, Dangote refinery asked Nigerians to stand against the PENGASSAN and the TUC over the industrial action against the company.

The refinery described the TUC as “zombie-like” for declaring full solidarity with PENGASSAN and threatening a nationwide strike “without making any effort to verify the claims on which the action was based”.

Ndume to Tinubu: I don’t mind if you act like a dictator dissolve PENGASSAN if it won’t serve national interest.

Ali Ndume, senator representing Borno south, says President Bola Tinubu should dissolve the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) if the union continues to “serve private interests” rather than the public good.

On Saturday, the PENGASSAN instructed its members to embark on a nationwide strike immediately over Dangote refinery’s dismissal of “over 800 workers”.

The Dangote refinery said the industrial action embarked upon by the union was aimed at weaponising hardship against Nigerians.

Commenting on the development while appearing on Prime Time, an Arise Television programme, on Monday, Ndume said he has long opposed “so-called unionism” that prioritises the benefits of a few individuals at the expense of the country.

“This PENGASSAN is supposed to serve the interest of Nigerians, and their profession has to do with petroleum product that affects everything,” the lawmaker said.

“This is Nigeria, which is supposed to be a free country. You can’t force someone to be in the union.”

The senator criticised the union for attempting to “impose demands” on the Dangote refinery.

“Dangote is a private businessman who established a refinery. You can’t come and impose anything on a private individual. If you want to be a union, then stay out of Dangote,” he said.

Why Must Dangote Bully Everybody Out Of Business? They Did It In Sugar And Cement Ogbeifun Reveals.

Brown Ogbeifun, also known as Dr. Louis Brown Ogbeifun, a former President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has accused the Dangote Group of stifling competition and showing disregard for workers’ rights.

Speaking on Channels Television on Monday, September 29, 2025, Ogbeifun, who is also a retired Manager of Employee Relations at the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and ex-President of the Institute of Chartered Mediators and Conciliators (ICMC), emphasized that unionization was a right recognized by Nigerian labor laws.

“Let us get it straight. It is the right of the union to organize by labor laws. What we are seeing here today is an organization that has no respect for human dignity, for worker dignity,” he said.

Responding to questions on whether there had been any engagement with Dangote Refinery before the unions moved to strike action, Ogbeifun insisted that there had been efforts but alleged that some workers were fired simply for joining unions.

“It is not about PENGASSAN or NUPENG. The question is the kind of thing that happened in Dangote as it grew. Why must Dangote organization bully everybody out of business? They did it in sugar. They did it in cement. You saw what happened to BOA in cement. Must we build a monopoly around Dangote organization?” he asked.

Ogbeifun acknowledged Aliko Dangote’s contributions to Nigeria’s economy, especially in oil and gas, but maintained that the group’s approach to labor relations and market dominance raises concerns.

He further stressed that the situation reflects a wider systemic failure:“Both organizations can come together PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the Dangote Group. What we are seeing today is failure of the conflict resolution system in the country.”