PENGASSAN Throws Weight Behind NUPENG, Issues Shutdown Warning To Dangote Refinery

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in the push for the unionisation of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its allied companies.

Recall that NUPENG had threatened to halt fuel loading today over allegations that the refinery planned to bar drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.

In a statement on Monday, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said the association was standing “unwaveringly” with NUPENG in its efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers at the refinery.

He warned that the senior oil workers’ union may be forced to take drastic action if the matter remains unresolved.

“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests,” Okugbawa said.

PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of resisting unionisation since inception despite several diplomatic interventions.

“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the association since its inception.

All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result,” the statement noted.

The union backed NUPENG’s demand for total unionisation across the refinery and its affiliates, insisting that the move aligns with the principles of the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and Nigerian labour laws.

“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the union added.

PENGASSAN further urged urgent dialogue among stakeholders to avert disruption, warning that failure to respect workers’ rights would have far-reaching consequences beyond the refinery.

“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission.

Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement concluded.