PENGASSAN BACKS NUPENG, THREATENS SHUTDOWN OF DANGOTE REFINERY OVER UNIONISATION DISPUTE
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By: Sefiu Ajape
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared its solidarity with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in the demand for unionisation of tanker drivers and all employees of the Dangote refinery and its subsidiaries.
NUPENG had earlier announced plans to stop loading fuel today, citing claims that the Dangote refinery intended to prevent the 4,000 truck drivers it recruited from joining the union.
In a statement issued on Monday, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, said: “On behalf of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, we are writing to express our unwavering solidarity with our ally and sister union, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.”
PENGASSAN cautioned that it could be forced to take drastic steps if the dispute is not resolved.
“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 association warned.
The union accused the refinery’s management of consistently opposing unionisation despite several attempts at mediation.
“We wish to put on record that Dangote refinery management has been resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the Association since its 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,” the statement read in part.
Backing NUPENG’s call for full unionisation across the refinery and allied companies, PENGASSAN described it as being in line with International Labour Organisation principles and Nigerian labour laws.
“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,” the statement added.
The association urged stakeholders to embrace dialogue to avert industrial disruption.
“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.
“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.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has summoned a meeting of stakeholders in Abuja to resolve the crisis.
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