A recent dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, has sparked a reaction from financial educator Kalu Aja. The controversy surrounds the refinery’s decision to terminate the employment of its Nigerian staff after a significant majority joined PENGASSAN.

According to reports, Dangote Refinery sacked its Nigerian workers less than 24 hours after 90 percent of them joined the union. The company attributed this move to a “total re-organisation” of the plant, citing instances of sabotage. PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, confirmed the mass sack and assured that the company would be compelled to reverse its decision.

Kalu Aja has advised Dangote Refinery not to allow PENGASSAN to unionize the company, warning that doing so could lead to a decline in efficiency similar to that of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, NNPC. Aja suggested that if the union insists on unionizing Dangote’s facility, it should consider establishing its own refinery instead.

The development has significant implications for the oil and gas industry in Nigeria, with potential consequences for the country’s economy. The union’s efforts to protect the rights of workers may be countered by the company’s need to maintain operational efficiency and prevent sabotage. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN will navigate their differences and find a resolution that balances the interests of both parties.

The conflict between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN is a complex issue, involving concerns about worker rights, unionization, and operational efficiency. As the dispute continues, it is likely to attract attention from stakeholders in the oil and gas industry, as well as from the broader Nigerian public. The outcome of this dispute may have far-reaching implications for the industry and the country as a whole.