A coalition of civil society organisations has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to reconsider its planned strike against the Dangote Refinery, citing potential risks to Nigeria’s economic recovery and critical infrastructure. The Coalition for the Defence of Economic Rights (CODER) issued a statement following an emergency meeting, advocating for dialogue over confrontation.
According to CODER President, Comrade Babajide Oresanya, “labour disputes must not be allowed to derail economic growth or endanger vital installations.” He emphasized that the refinery is a strategic national asset with significant implications for energy security, jobs, and the broader economy. Oresanya stressed that holding the refinery “hostage for union politics is unacceptable.”
The warning comes after the National Industrial Court in Abuja granted an interim order preventing PENGASSAN from embarking on the industrial action. Justice Emmanuel Sublim ruled that the strike could cause irreparable harm to the economy and directed parties to maintain the status quo pending the hearing of the substantive matter on October 13.
CODER welcomed the court’s ruling as a necessary safeguard for stability and urged all stakeholders, including the federal government and regulators, to ensure strict compliance with the court order. Oresanya cautioned that any attempt to flout the directive would amount to contempt and risk escalating the situation.
The group advised PENGASSAN to support its claims with verifiable evidence rather than making unsubstantiated allegations. CODER also commended the federal government for its swift intervention through consultations with PENGASSAN, the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), and regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The situation highlights the need for constructive engagement and calm in resolving labour disputes. With the court’s ruling and the federal government’s intervention, the path forward is clear. The focus should now be on finding a resolution that balances the interests of all parties involved, ensuring the stability of Nigeria’s economy and the continued operation of critical infrastructure like the Dangote Refinery.
