The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has expressed solid support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, in its ongoing dispute with the Dangote Refinery. PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, stated that the association stands in solidarity with NUPENG, condemning the refinery’s resistance to unionization as a violation of Nigerian labor laws and international conventions.

The dispute centers on the refinery’s denial of workers’ rights to unionize, particularly among tanker drivers. Despite diplomatic efforts, the refinery’s management has refused to allow workers to join either PENGASSAN or NUPENG. This resistance has prompted PENGASSAN to threaten a strike, which could potentially cripple the refinery’s operations if the management fails to change its stance.

PENGASSAN’s statement emphasized the importance of upholding workers’ rights, citing the company’s actions as unacceptable and in direct contravention of labor laws. The association warned that it would be forced to join NUPENG in a showdown if the refinery’s management continues to resist unionization. This development marks a significant escalation in the dispute, with potential consequences for the refinery’s operations and the broader oil and gas industry.

The Dangote Refinery, one of Nigeria’s major petroleum facilities, has been at the center of the dispute. The refinery’s management has maintained its position against unionization, despite efforts by NUPENG and PENGASSAN to negotiate a resolution. As the situation continues to unfold, the potential for a strike and subsequent disruptions to the refinery’s operations remains a pressing concern.

In the context of Nigeria’s labor landscape, the dispute highlights the ongoing challenges faced by workers in the oil and gas sector. The country’s labor laws and international conventions guarantee workers’ rights to unionize and engage in collective bargaining. However, the reality on the ground often differs, with companies resisting unionization efforts and workers facing difficulties in exercising their rights.

As the situation develops, it remains to be seen how the Dangote Refinery’s management will respond to PENGASSAN’s ultimatum. The association’s threat of a strike has significant implications for the refinery’s operations and the broader industry. With the potential for disruptions to oil and gas production, the dispute has far-reaching consequences that will be closely watched by stakeholders and industry observers.