In a directive issued and signed by its General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, the union accused the refinery’s management of unlawfully disengaging unionised workers and spreading misinformation rather than engaging in constructive dialogue with the union.

“All branch chairmen, particularly those in the Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company, NGIC, are directed to ensure that gas supply to the Dangote Refinery is halted without delay,” the statement read.

The union also instructed its members in upstream and midstream oil companies including TotalEnergies, Chevron, Seplat, Shell Nigeria Gas, Oando, and NGIC to cut off all crude oil and gas deliveries to the refinery. Loading operations for vessels headed to the refinery were also ordered to be suspended.

PENGASSAN stated that the action is aimed at protecting the constitutional rights of workers to unionise freely, without fear of retaliation or victimisation.

The Dangote Group, however, rejected the allegations. In a response issued earlier, the company denied claims of mass layoffs, stating that only a small number of employees were affected in efforts to prevent internal sabotage and maintain operational integrity.

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“Over 3,000 Nigerians remain gainfully employed at the refinery,” the company said, adding that employees retain the freedom to decide whether or not to join a union.

Dangote Group also criticised PENGASSAN’s directive, describing it as “a brazen, albeit shocking, display of lawlessness and criminality.”

As tensions escalate, industry watchers are keeping a close eye on the potential impact of the standoff on refinery operations and national fuel supply.

Source: Channels