The presidential candidate of the Labour Party, Peter Obi, criticized the federal government for its slow response to the feud between Dangote Refinery Company and PENGASSAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) following Dangote Refinery’s decision to terminate the employment of all its workers who had joined PENGASSAN.
Obi expressed worry over the lack of response by the federal government to the ongoing issue, which is already harming the Nigerian economy. He called on the FG to react to the looming labour crisis and work on having a proactive culture to such developments.
” I strongly appeal to the Federal Government to intervene quickly to resolve this dispute in a manner that protects the interests of the Nigerian people, Nigerian workers, Nigerian Investors, and the Economy at large. The protection of these interests in a win-win manner is the primary responsibility of any responsible Government.” Obi said.
He urged the FG to nip the pending crisis in the bud to prevent a deterioration of the economy and prevent further suffering of the people.
Dangote vs Pengassan
The escalating feud between Aliko Dangote’s $23 billion refinery and PENGASSAN (Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria) erupted this month over alleged union-busting.
PENGASSAN claims Dangote sacked over 800 Nigerian engineers for joining the union, replacing them with Indian expatriates, violating labour rights in the process. In retaliation, the union declared a nationwide strike, disrupting gas and crude supplies, threatening fuel shortages and power outages
Dangote Refinery accused PENGASSAN of economic sabotage and decades of sector meddling for leaders’ gain, securing a court injunction against disruptions. The NLC backed the strike, mobilizing affiliates nationwide.
Nigerians decried potential service chaos, urging dialogue over pockets. The Federal Government, via Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, brokered emergency talks, halting escalation for economic stability
