In a sharp rebuke, Senator Sunday Karimi has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of jeopardizing national economic interests through its directive to cut critical services to the Dangote Refinery. The senator warned that the union’s actions risked undermining investor confidence and reversing progress toward national fuel self-sufficiency.
The controversy stems from PENGASSAN’s Saturday order for members to withdraw services starting Sunday morning, specifically targeting gas and crude oil supplies to the $20 billion refinery facility. The union’s move—part of an ongoing industrial dispute—has sparked widespread condemnation from political figures and the public alike.
Karimi characterized the action as having “ulterior motives that threaten the oil sector,” emphasizing that no serious nation would tolerate union activities that could destroy multibillion-dollar private investments. He urged government intervention, noting that the refinery employs over 3,000 Nigerians directly and supports numerous indirect jobs through suppliers and contractors.
The senator drew comparisons to other privately-dominated sectors where union activity remains limited or prohibited, including banking, aviation, and private education. “An employer has the right to refuse the existence of trade unions in their businesses,” Karimi stated, questioning why Dangote Refinery should be treated differently.
Highlighting historical context, Karimi recalled how union opposition previously blocked Dangote’s attempted acquisition of the Port Harcourt refinery in 2007, ultimately leading to the construction of what is now one of the world’s largest single-train refineries. He contrasted this success with government-owned refineries that continue to incur massive maintenance costs while some unions “profit from levies and dues” from moribund state facilities.
As criticism mounts on social media and among policymakers, the federal government has yet to announce its response to growing calls for intervention in the escalating dispute.
