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The industrial dispute between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery has escalated, as the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) declared full solidarity with NUPENG and threatened to shut down refinery operations if management continues to resist unionisation.

In a strongly worded statement, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, described the denial of workers’ right to organise as “unacceptable” and a direct violation of Nigerian labour laws and international conventions.

“On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery,” Okugbawa stated.

He noted that management had consistently resisted workers’ attempts to join both PENGASSAN and NUPENG since the refinery’s inception. “All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote Refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward,” he added.

PENGASSAN stressed that unless the refinery management shifts its stance, it will have no choice but to join NUPENG in a showdown that could cripple operations. “We stand firmly in support of NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies. This is in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in line with Nigerian labour laws,” Okugbawa declared.

According to him, workers’ rights to organise and collectively bargain are non-negotiable. “The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” he said.

Warning of possible industrial action, the union said: “Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests.”

The senior oil workers’ union called on stakeholders, including the Federal Government, to urgently intervene and prevent a major crisis in the sector. “We therefore urge all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues. Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry,” Okugbawa warned.

Reaffirming its position, PENGASSAN pledged continued support for NUPENG in what it described as a critical fight for workers’ rights. “In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement concluded

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