The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared a nationwide strike against the $20 billion Dangote Refinery, alleging the unlawful dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers.
In a directive issued Sunday, the union ordered members to withdraw services, halt crude and gas supply, and cut feedstock deliveries from International Oil Companies (IOCs). Business Insider Africa reported that operations at the refinery have been “100 percent shut down,” affecting both fuel and fertilizer units.
Dangote management denied claims of mass retrenchment, describing the sackings as part of an internal reorganisation. Meanwhile, the refinery briefly resumed sales of petrol in naira after suspending them last week due to crude supply and currency challenges.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of Labour, has appealed for calm and convened an emergency meeting to broker peace. The Trade Union Congress (TUC) has pledged solidarity with PENGASSAN and placed its affiliates on standby for potential escalation.
Implications:
- Fuel shortages and price hikes are feared as supply chains are disrupted.
- Economic strain looms, with risks to Nigeria’s naira-for-crude strategy and energy independence drive.
- Political pressure is mounting on the government to avert a wider industrial crisis.
Next Steps:
All eyes are on the outcome of conciliation talks between the FG, Dangote, and PENGASSAN, which could determine whether operations resume quickly or the strike deepens further.
