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, warning that the action could jeopardise Nigeria’s economic recovery and critical infrastructure. The Coalition for the Defence of Economic Rights (CODER) issued a statement after an emergency meeting, calling for dialogue rather than confrontation.
CODER President Comrade Babajide Oresanya said labour disputes must not be allowed to derail economic growth or endanger vital installations. He stressed that the refinery is a strategic national asset with major implications for energy security, employment and the broader economy, adding that holding the refinery “hostage for union politics is unacceptable.”
The warning follows an interim order from the National Industrial Court in Abuja that bars PENGASSAN from proceeding with the strike. Justice Emmanuel Sublim ruled that the strike could cause irreparable harm to the economy and directed the parties to maintain the status quo pending a substantive hearing on 13 October. CODER welcomed the court’s decision as a necessary safeguard for stability and urged all stakeholders—including the federal government and regulators—to ensure strict compliance with the order. Oresanya cautioned that any attempt to flout the directive would constitute contempt and could exacerbate the situation. He also advised PENGASSAN to support its claims with verifiable evidence rather than unsubstantiated allegations.
CODER 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 episode underscores the need for constructive engagement and calm in resolving labour disputes. With the court’s ruling and the government’s intervention, the path forward is clear: focus on a resolution that balances the interests of all parties, ensuring the stability of Nigeria’s economy and the continued operation of critical infrastructure like the Dangote Refinery.
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