Dangote Refinery Strike: PENGASSAN Defies Court Order, Vows to Continue Industrial Action
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has vowed to continue its strike at Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals FZE, despite a restraining order from the National Industrial Court. The move signals escalating tension between the union and management as workers press for their demands amid ongoing industrial unrest.
The National Industrial Court in Abuja had issued an order restraining PENGASSAN from embarking on any industrial action targeting the Dangote refinery. However, the union dismissed the court order, claiming it had not been formally served. “Court orders or processes are served via court bailiff and not through social media,” PENGASSAN General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa stated in an official memo to members.
Okugbawa directed union members to maintain the strike “until further instruction,” emphasizing that only information released through the union’s official channels should be regarded as authentic. The memo urged workers to remain steadfast and ignore reports circulating on other platforms, which the union described as unreliable.
Commending members for their solidarity and determination, Okugbawa assured them that “we have just begun, and victory is in sight.” The union’s firm stance underscores its commitment to securing favorable outcomes for its members and suggests that negotiations may face further delays unless a resolution is reached.
Industry experts warn that a prolonged strike could disrupt operations at one of Africa’s largest refineries, potentially affecting fuel supply chains across the country. As the standoff continues, all eyes are on both PENGASSAN and Dangote Petroleum Refinery to see whether the dispute can be resolved without escalating into a wider industrial crisis.
source: The sun