PENGASSAN clashed with Vice President Kashim Shettima over its strike against Dangote Refinery. The union halted oil and gas operations last week.
It protested the alleged dismissal of 800 members for unionizing. Dangote claimed it sacked only a few for sabotage during a restructuring.
Government Ends Strike Chaos
The PENGASSAN Dangote Dispute disrupted oil and power supply, spiking cooking gas prices to N2,000 per kg in Lagos.
Federal intervention stopped the strike on Wednesday. Dangote agreed to reassign sacked workers. This resolved fuel shortages and restored stability.
Shettima Champions Dangote
At the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit, Shettima praised Dangote as a vital asset. “Mistreating him harms investment,” he said.
“The PENGASSAN Dangote Dispute shouldn’t halt Nigeria’s progress.” He urged focus on national economic growth over minor conflicts.
PENGASSAN Stands Firm
PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo countered, “Nigeria outweighs Dangote and the Presidency.” He vowed to strike again if workers face dismissal.
“We protect our members’ jobs,” Osifo said. General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa added, “No one is above the nation.”
Kaduna Protests Slam Union
Kaduna protesters accused PENGASSAN of sabotaging the PENGASSAN Dangote Dispute. Led by Partners for National Economic Progress, they marched with signs like “Support Local Refining.” Igwe Ude-Umanta called the union’s actions “economic sabotage.” They demanded fair crude pricing for local refineries.
Reforms Drive Economic Growth
Minister Abubakar Bagudu backed local production. “Reforms since 2023 avoided fiscal collapse,” he said. GDP grew 3.4% in 2024, with 4.6% projected for 2025.
Minister Jumoke Oduwole noted Nigeria’s lead in African trade integration, boosting the PENGASSAN Dangote Dispute resolution.
Union Branch Faces Dissolution
PENGASSAN dissolved its NGIC branch for not cutting gas to Dangote. The branch appealed, citing safety risks and security presence.
A petition by 163 members denied sabotage claims. They urged reinstatement, defending their efforts in the PENGASSAN Dangote Dispute.
Dangote Praises Tinubu
Dangote Refinery thanked President Tinubu for halting the PENGASSAN Dangote Dispute disruptions. It commended security chiefs and ministers like Nuhu Ribadu.
The refinery highlighted its role in lowering fuel prices and urged support for local refining.