PENGASSAN Directs Members to Halt Gas Supply to Dangote Petroleum Refinery

Strategic Insights -

PENGASSAN, the union representing the interests of petroleum and gas workers in Nigeria, has ordered its members to cut off gas supply and shut down crude oil supply valves to Dangote Petroleum Refinery, following the refinery's alleged termination of employment of over 800 workers who are members of the association. The union accuses the refinery's management of violating international labor principles, including the right to freely join a union. The refinery has, however, denied the allegations, stating that the workers were sacked due to repeated acts of sabotage and that it is committed to upholding internationally accepted labor principles.

Key Takeaways:

  • PENGASSAN has directed its members to halt gas supply to NGIC, effective immediately, in response to the alleged termination of employment of over 800 workers who are members of the association.
  • The refinery's management has denied the allegations, stating that the workers were sacked due to repeated acts of sabotage and that over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in the refinery.
  • PENGASSAN claims that over 2,000 Indian nationals were recruited by the company to take over the jobs of those sacked by Dangote.
  • Dangote Petroleum Refinery has stated its commitment to upholding internationally accepted labor principles, including the right of every worker to freely decide whether or not to join a union.
  • The refinery has reportedly effecting a reorganisation of its workforce to safeguard the refinery from repeated acts of sabotage.
  • PENGASSAN has directed an immediate shut down of all crude oil supply valves to the Refinery as well as the suspension of loading operations for vessels destined for the facility.
  • The union has summoned its members to report promptly on the progress of the directive.
  • The letter, signed by Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary of PENGASSAN, consigns fraternal greetings from the National Secretariat.

Statistics:

  • Over 800 workers who are members of PENGASSAN were allegedly terminated by the refinery's management.
  • Over 2,000 Indian nationals were allegedly recruited by the refinery to take over the jobs of those sacked by Dangote (according to PENGASSAN).
  • Over 3,000 Nigerians continue to work actively in the refinery (according to the refinery's statement).

Sources:

  • Letter signed by Lumumba Okugbawa, General Secretary, PENGASSAN.
  • Statement issued by Dangote Petroleum Refinery.