PENGASSAN has responded to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s criticism of its industrial action against the Dangote refinery.
The union insists that its actions are justified and will repeat the strike if provoked again. PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo stated that the nation’s importance surpasses that of both Dangote and the Presidency.
The dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote refinery centers on the sacking of union members. The refinery claims the dismissals were part of a staff reorganization, while PENGASSAN alleges that its members were unfairly targeted. Shettima described the Dangote refinery as a national asset and urged stakeholders to support its operations.
PENGASSAN’s actions have raised concerns about investor confidence and labour protections in Nigeria’s private sector. The union’s president warned that similar actions would be repeated if workers’ rights are violated again. “Should this same event occur again tomorrow, our approach will be exactly the same,” Osifo said.
The Federal Government has intervened in the dispute, urging caution and patriotism in resolving labour-related issues affecting the nation’s economic growth. President Bola Tinubu’s administration is working to restore stability in the energy sector.
The Dangote refinery has been a significant investment in Nigeria’s economy, and the government is keen to ensure its success. However, labour disputes like this one can have far-reaching implications for the nation’s economic growth.
PENGASSAN’s determination to protect its members’ rights has sparked a heated debate about the balance between labour rights and investor interests in Nigeria.
