A Nigerian economist, Ken Ife, has advised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to avoid engaging in an industrial dispute with the Dangote Group that it cannot win. Ife’s comments came during an appearance on Channels Television’s “The Morning Brief” on Monday, where he discussed the ongoing disagreement between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and PENGASSAN over unionization and the recent sack of some Nigerian workers by the company.

The dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has been escalating, with the union directing its members to halt gas supply to the refinery and later declaring a nationwide strike. The refinery has condemned the union’s actions, describing them as “lawlessness and criminality.” The Federal Government has urged PENGASSAN to reconsider its strike, citing concerns over the potential impact on the economy.

Ife argued that employers have the right to hire and fire, and that unions should not be allowed to dictate these decisions. He also stated that the timing of the sack of the Nigerian workers by the refinery was not unjustifiable and that the union should take its grievances to the industrial court rather than taking the law into its own hands.

The economist emphasized the importance of foreign direct investment in Nigeria, noting that the country’s refineries have not been functional despite significant investment. He cautioned that the dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group could have far-reaching consequences for the economy and advised the union to reconsider its approach.

The Federal Government has taken steps to bring both parties to the negotiating table, with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, urging PENGASSAN to reconsider its strike. The dispute has significant implications for the Nigerian economy, and a resolution is being closely watched by stakeholders. As the situation continues to unfold, it remains to be seen how the dispute will be resolved and what impact it will have on the country’s economic landscape.