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.

The Group Chief Executive of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, has attributed the recent scarcity in cooking gas to a temporary loading and disruption during the strike action by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

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.

New Truck Drivers’ Union Insists on Independence, Rejects NUPENG and PENGASSAN Recognition.

According to the report by Channel TV on Tuesday September 30, 2025, A newly registered association of truck drivers has declared that it does not require recognition or validation from the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to operate legally in the country.

Speaking in an interview, the leadership of the association explained that their registration was duly completed with the appropriate authorities in line with Nigerian labour laws, making their activities legitimate and independent.

According to the spokesperson, suggestions that the new union needed clearance from NUPENG or PENGASSAN to function were misleading and based on “wrong perceptions.” He maintained that no union in Nigeria has the legal right to register another, stressing that the regulatory responsibility rests solely with the federal government and its agencies.

“We don’t need their recognition. NUPENG and PENGASSAN have no authority to register any association in Nigeria. Our union is properly registered, and we are operating within the law,” the spokesperson insisted.

He further challenged journalists and the public to investigate claims that the majority of truck drivers were certified by NUPENG. According to him, such assumptions have contributed to misrepresentation and misunderstanding about the true structure of road transport workers in the country.

“What we want people to understand is that truck drivers are diverse and not all of them are under NUPENG. If you go round and speak to them directly, you will see that our association has strong grassroots support and represents a wide category of operators,” he added.

The spokesperson also criticized the dominance of existing unions in the petroleum and logistics sector, noting that their style of operation often leaves ordinary truck drivers with little voice in decision-making. He said the emergence of the new association was aimed at ensuring inclusivity, fairness, and adequate representation for drivers who feel sidelined.

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”.

Electricity: National Grid Output Falls As PENGASSAN Strike Hits Gas Supply.

The Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) has confirmed that electricity generation on the national grid has dropped to 3,200 megawatts (MW) following disruptions caused by the ongoing industrial action of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Electricity: National Grid Output Falls As PENGASSAN Strike Hits Gas Supply
NISO said the strike action triggered widespread gas shortages across power plants, cutting down available generation from over 4,300MW.

In a statement on Tuesday, the agency explained that it had rolled out contingency measures to prevent the grid from collapsing.

These included ramping up power generation from major hydro stations, which contributed over 400MW to cushion the shortfall from gas-fired plants.

“There are now real-time load adjustments to match available generation with system demand, while preventing a system frequency collapse,” the statement read.

The agency added that it had deployed reactive power compensation and reserve monitoring to safeguard system integrity.

According to NISO, the situation has forced the adoption of selective load shedding in some areas as a last resort to avert a nationwide blackout.

“These timely actions enabled the NISO National Control Centre to minimise the impact of the labour-induced gas shortages, sustain operational security, and maintain supply to critical loads, thereby averting a nationwide blackout,” the agency explained.

The operator assured Nigerians of its commitment to maintaining stability and security of the grid despite the challenges.

"Time for pleading is over"- NLC begins mobilization for nationwide strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed its affiliate unions to commence full-scale mobilization for a nationwide strike against Dangote Group.

Naija News reports that the directive was issued in an internal memo signed by NLC President, Comrade Joe Ajaero, on September 29, 2025.

Ajaero accused Dangote of a “deliberate anti-worker crusade” and disregard for Nigeria’s labour laws, stressing that the time for “pleading and fruitless dialogue” with the conglomerate was over and that the moment had come for “decisive, collective action.”

The memo read, “The ongoing disputes with PENGASSAN and NUPENG are only symptoms of a deeper problem: a systemic anti-labour policy of union-busting, worker exploitation, and disregard for the rule of law that defines the Group’s industrial relations practices.

“For too long, the Dangote Group has operated like a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our labour laws with contempt. Its facilities have become plantations of exploitation where workers’ dignity is deliberately crushed in pursuit of profit for a few.

“The time for pleading and fruitless dialogue is over. The moment for decisive, collective action is now. All affiliate unions are hereby placed on immediate and full alert, begin vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within Dangote facilities under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

“Commence preparations to mobilise members and resources for full-scale, decisive engagement against the Dangote Group’s anti-labour stance.

“The Congress also issued clear demands to the Dangote Group: “Unconditional respect for workers’ right to freely join unions of their choice, an end to intimidation, victimisation, and union-busting activities, and full compliance with Nigeria’s labour laws and institutions.

“To enforce the directive, each affiliate union has been instructed to immediately set up an Action Mobilisation Committee and liaise with the NLC National Secretariat within 72 hours to coordinate strategy, logistics, and communication. Unity of purpose and action is non-negotiable.

“The NLC accused the Dangote Group of operating with impunity, alleging that regulatory authorities had failed to rein in its excesses. The impunity of the Dangote Group must be met with the collective resistance of organised labour. No amount of propaganda or paid agents will stop us from defending workers’ rights, especially in the face of regulatory capture, where the state appears to have abdicated its duty to hold this conglomerate accountable.

“The blood and sweat of Nigerian workers built the Dangote empire; we will not allow it to become a monument to their oppression. Together we stand! Together, we will overcome!”

Obi seeks FG’s intervention, as NLC mobilises for full-blown strike.

The Nigeria Labour Congress NLC, on Monday, began mobilisation of all its affiliate members ahead of a full-blown nationwide workers’ strike, as Peter Obi, the presidential candidate of the Labour Party, urged the federal government to urgently resolve the ongoing disagreement between the Dangote Group and the workers in the oil and gas industry to avert a strike.

The NLC, in a letter issued on Monday to all affiliate members, said, “This serves as a formal and urgent request in response to the protracted and deliberate anti-worker crusade being waged by the Dangote Group against the Nigerian working class.”

In the letter signed by Joe Ajaero, the NLC President, the Union noted that the ongoing battle with PENGASSAN, NUPENG and the Dangote group is “merely a symptom of a deeper sickness; a capitalist pathology of union-busting, worker enslavement, and gross impunity that defines the Group’s industrial relations strategy.”

According to the NLC, ” Dangote Group has operated for too long as a state within a state, flouting Section 40 of our Constitution, violating ILO Conventions 87 and 98, and treating our national labour laws with contempt.

” Their facilities are not workplaces but plantations of exploitation, where the dignity of the worker is systematically crushed to maximise profit for the few.

The Union said the time for pleading and endless, fruitless dialogue is over.

The Union, while stating that it is time for decisive, collective action, called for ” total mobilisation of all Unions and workers, adding that ” All aforementioned affiliate unions are hereby placed on IMMEDIATE AND FULL ALERT”

“You are requested to commence, with immediate effect, preparation for a vigorous and comprehensive unionisation of all workers within every Dangote Group facility falling under your jurisdiction. This is a strategic priority.

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.

Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court Abuja, has restrained the Petroleum, Natural Gas Workers Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) from embarking on its planned industrial action against Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE.

Don't Fight A War You Cannot Win; Dangote Can Decide Not To Sell One Litre Of Petrol To Nigeria -Ife.

Professor Ken Ife, an economist, has argued that Dangote Group CEO Aliko Dangote holds all the cards in his conflict with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), warning that ordinary Nigerians not the billionaire businessman will suffer from the union's strike action.

Speaking during an interview with Channels TV, Professor Ife advised the union against engaging in an unwinnable battle. "Don't fight a war you cannot win. You can't stop that company; it is in the free trade zone. Dangote can decide not to sell one litre of petrol to Nigeria. You cannot stop that. But if he decides he's going to do it, he's going to do it. So, let's be real. He has nothing to lose," the economist stated.

Professor Ife criticized PENGASSAN for embarking on strike action over the dismissal of 800 workers, arguing that the union is prioritizing a small number of employees over the entire nation. "You don't equate 800 workers to 230 million Nigerians. You don't equate 800 workers to 4.2 million employees in this country," he said.

The economist calculated the massive economic impact of the strike compared to the salaries of the affected workers. "And you don't allow this country to bleed 14.5 billion naira every day for salaries of workers that is not up to anything. If the 800 workers are receiving 100,000 naira a month, that will come to only 80 million naira. But look at what you are going to lose in a day," Professor Ife explained.

He warned that Nigeria is ill-prepared to handle such economic losses. Professor Ife also cautioned that the union's actions could ultimately harm the very workers they claim to protect. "You are destroying the jobs of these workers because you are closing the door for any further negotiation. And then what happens? You're not even going to allow other people to enter this space," he asserted.

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.”

"Dangote is the person sabotaging our economy"- PENGASSAN president.

The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has accused the chairman of the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote, of sabotaging the Nigerian economy.

News recalls that the row between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery escalated on Sunday, September 28, 2025, after the union directed all its members across the country to withdraw their services, following the reported sack of at least 800 workers.

The development, union leaders said, amounted to a direct attack on workers’ rights and the freedom of association, following the mass enrollment of staff in PENGASSAN at the refinery.

The refinery’s management, however, insists that the dismissals were part of an internal restructuring exercise.

The company also resisted unionisation efforts by its workers, sparking accusations of anti-labour practices.

Speaking on the ongoing rift, Osifo, during an interview on Sunday Politics, a programme on Channels Television, said Dangote is Sabotaging Nigeria’s economy despite benefiting from the country.

He said, “The person that is sabotaging our economy is Aliko Dangote. The man is who he is today because of Nigeria.

“Nigeria gave Dangote a single licence to import flour, sugar and salt.

“Dangote built his refinery with our money; the Nigerian government subsidised FX for him to build the refinery.”