A new twist has been introduced to the ongoing face-off between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, (PENGASSAN), declaring full solidarity with NUPENG and threatening to join in shutting down the refinery operations if the impasse subsists
By Emma Ogbuehi
A new twist has been introduced to the ongoing face-off between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, (PENGASSAN), declaring full solidarity with NUPENG and threatening to join in shutting down the refinery operations if the impasse subsists
The threat by PENGASSAN comes as NUPENG has directed its members to commence nationwide industrial action to press home their demands.
In a strongly worded statement by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN expressed unwavering solidarity with NUPENG, describing the denial of workers’ right to unionise at Dangote Refinery as unacceptable and a direct violation of Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.
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The statement read: “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.
“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.
“It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote Refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward.”
PENGASSAN warned that unless the refinery’s management changes its stance, the association will be left with no option but to join NUPENG in a showdown that could cripple refinery operations.
“We stand firmly in support of NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies. This is in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in line with 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.
“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.”
The senior oil workers’ union urged stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to intervene immediately and facilitate constructive dialogue to avert a major crisis in the sector.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues. Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.
The Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), had earlier thrown its weight behind NUPENG. Aside endorsing the strike, NLC has equally written to its over 54 affiliates and 36 councils to prepare to join the action, arguing that the exercise, among others, is for the survival of Labour movement and dignity of workers.
At the centre of the dispute is Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s decision to import thousands of compressed natural gas-powered trucks for fuel distribution, allegedly with a condition that drivers must not join trade unions. NUPENG argues this violates workers’ constitutional rights.
In a bid to halt the strike, the Federal Government had summoned the management of Dangote group and the leadership of NUPENG to an emergency meeting on Monday, September 8. The invitation was served through the Minister of Labour and Employment.
