The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, has thrown its weight behind the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers in the ongoing dispute over unionisation at the Dangote Refinery, warning that it may shut down operations if workers’ rights are not respected.
NUPENG had earlier announced plans to suspend fuel loading in protest against alleged attempts by the refinery’s management to stop tanker drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.
In a statement issued on Monday, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said the association would not hesitate to take drastic action if the matter is not resolved.
“On behalf of PENGASSAN, we stand in full solidarity with our sister union, NUPENG, in its effort to defend the rights of tanker drivers and other employees at the Dangote Refinery,” Okugbawa declared.
He accused the refinery management of a consistent pattern of resistance to unionisation, despite several interventions.
“Since inception, the company has frustrated efforts of workers to join either PENGASSAN or NUPENG. Diplomatic engagements have failed, and the continued denial of workers’ rights can no longer be tolerated,” he said.
The union emphasised that allowing full unionisation was not just a domestic labour demand but also in line with international best practices.
“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is a fundamental human right. It ensures fair labour practices, guarantees safety, and upholds dignity in the workplace,” the statement read.
PENGASSAN urged stakeholders to immediately convene a dialogue to avert disruption in the petroleum sector.
“Failure to recognise and respect these rights will have far-reaching consequences beyond the refinery, affecting the entire industry,” the association warned.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has summoned a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to mediate in the crisis.