Dangote Refinery Warns PENGASSAN Strike Could Disrupt Fuel Supply for 230 Million Nigerians
Nigeria’s largest private oil refinery, Dangote Refinery, has raised alarm over an ongoing nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), warning it could cripple the supply of essential fuels to more than 230 million Nigerians. The company said the union’s directive for members to halt services at field locations and scale down production of gas and crude supplies threatens to undermine national energy security and economic recovery.
The refinery accused PENGASSAN of “sabotage” and “lawless acts” in a statement released on Sunday, 28 September 2025. It likened the union’s latest actions to its past opposition to the Federal Government’s $750 million plan to sell the dormant Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries to a Dangote-led consortium in 2007. According to the group, the union has a history of resisting reforms and corporate deals that could modernize Nigeria’s struggling energy sector.
Under the union’s directive, members are to withdraw services from field locations effective 6:00 a.m. on 28 September, stop operations at offices from 00:01 on 29 September, and cut off crude and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery. This action could disrupt the production of vital fuels such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, cooking gas, and aviation fuel. Dangote warned that the resulting shortages would harm hospitals, schools, emergency responders, transport operators, and everyday households already struggling with rising living costs.
The company also moved to dispel allegations circulating on social media that it had sacked 800 Nigerian workers and replaced them with 2,000 Indian employees. Dangote stressed that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the refinery and that ongoing staff restructuring affects only a small number of workers. It said its salaries are competitive, its workplace meets global standards, and it continues to invest in training and social programs to improve the lives of Nigerian employees and host communities.
Dangote urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the public to stand firm against what it described as “terror tactics” by the union. The company emphasized that the refinery—seen as a national asset—must be protected to ensure Nigeria’s economic stability and energy independence. It also questioned PENGASSAN’s transparency, noting the union has not published audited accounts despite collecting billions in dues. Industry observers warn that unless the dispute is resolved quickly, the strike could escalate into widespread fuel shortages and economic disruptions.
source: nairametrics