Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN: The Need for National Interest Above All
By ibrahim musa kallah
Nigeria, our dear country, has always been blessed with resilient people and enormous resources. Yet, the challenge has often been how to manage these blessings for the good of the nation. The Dangote Refinery represents one of the boldest private investments in our history—an investment that promises to reduce our dependence on imported fuel, stabilize the economy, and provide jobs for thousands of Nigerians.
Recently, however, a major labour dispute emerged between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of the Dangote Refinery. Reports confirmed that over 800 workers were dismissed, with the union alleging anti-labour practices, while management cited restructuring and even alleged sabotage. PENGASSAN responded with strikes and disruption of crude and gas supply, a move that risked deepening the already difficult situation Nigerians are facing since the removal of fuel subsidy.
Thankfully, the Federal Government, under the leadership of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, quickly intervened. Through mediation, an agreement was reached:
Dismissed staff are to be reinstated within the Dangote Group without loss of pay.
No worker will be victimized for union activities.
PENGASSAN is to suspend its strike and resume normal operations.
This resolution shows that dialogue, rather than confrontation, is the path forward. Yet, it also raises an important question for us as Nigerians: are we acting in the interest of the nation, or in the pursuit of narrow interests?
The Dangote Refinery is not just a private business—it is a national asset at a time when millions are struggling. Shutting it down or destabilizing it would only prolong our dependence on imported fuel and worsen the hardship of ordinary citizens. Workers’ rights must be respected, but national interest must also be protected.
We therefore call on President Bola Ahmed Tinubu to continue monitoring this agreement closely, ensuring that both sides honour their commitments. Nigeria cannot afford endless industrial conflicts in the oil and gas sector. What we need is stability, cooperation, and a shared determination to put the country first.
Dangote Refinery must succeed—not for Dangote alone, but for Nigeria, for our economy, and for the millions of Nigerians whose daily lives depend on affordable and available fuel.
