Dangote Refinery Accuses PENGASSAN of Sabotage, Elitism in Oil Sector Crisis

The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of decades-long sabotage of Nigeria’s oil and gas sector, alleging that the union prioritizes the interests of an elite few over the welfare of millions of ordinary citizens.

In a strongly worded statement issued over the weekend, the refinery condemned PENGASSAN’s recent directive to halt crude oil and gas supplies to its operations, describing the move as “economic sabotage” that risks deepening hardship nationwide.

Allegations of Policy Obstruction and Mismanagement

Dangote Petroleum Refinery claimed that PENGASSAN has historically resisted reforms intended to advance the sector. It pointed to the 2007 sale of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to Blue Star Consortium—a Dangote-led group—for $750 million, which was later reversed following union pressure. The company argued that the reversal set back Nigeria’s refining capacity and undermined forward-looking government policy.

The statement also dismissed PENGASSAN’s support for the ongoing rehabilitation of the Port Harcourt Refinery, calling it a “ruse” the union promoted despite questions over the project’s integrity.

In addition, the company accused the union of opposing reforms to the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA)—reforms it said could have boosted government liquidity and attracted private-sector investment into upstream operations.

Beyond policy, Dangote alleged that PENGASSAN’s leadership has mismanaged billions of naira in membership dues, financing lavish lifestyles while delivering little accountability or tangible benefits to workers.

Contrasting Records

By contrast, Dangote highlighted its own contributions to Nigeria’s economy, including:

• Creation of thousands of direct and indirect jobs.

• Investments in road and community infrastructure.

• Skills development initiatives.

• Employee compensation packages “above industry standards.”

The refinery described itself as Nigeria’s largest private-sector employer and one of the country’s biggest taxpayers. It challenged PENGASSAN to publish audited financial statements for the past decade and disclose its corporate social responsibility efforts.

Warning of National Disruptions

Reacting to PENGASSAN’s strike directive, which includes suspending supplies of petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, and aviation fuel, the refinery said the action could paralyze essential services.

“In the process, it (PENGASSAN) cares little if at all about the unbearable hardship and terror it would thereby inflict on all Nigerians, including but not limited to the provision of essential services in our hospitals and medical facilities, schools, emergency services, communications facilities, transportation systems, etc.,” the statement read.

The company warned that the union’s directive threatens energy security for more than 230 million Nigerians, stressing that the move serves the agenda of a “powerful cabal” rather than the genuine interests of workers.

Call for Government Intervention

Dangote Refinery urged the Federal Government and security agencies to intervene swiftly to protect the refinery and safeguard national energy supply.

The statement concluded with a warning that PENGASSAN’s actions must not be allowed to push Nigeria into deeper economic instability or widespread public chaos.