Last week, PENGASSAN halted oil and gas operations, protesting Dangote Refinery’s alleged dismissal of 800 unionized workers.
The refinery claimed only a few were sacked for sabotage during restructuring. This clash disrupted fuel and power supplies, pushing Lagos cooking gas prices to N2,000 per kg.
Government Resolves Crisis
Federal mediation ended the strike on Wednesday. Dangote agreed to reassign affected workers, easing fuel shortages. The resolution restored stability, but underlying tensions with the presidency persist.
Shettima Defends Refinery
At the 2025 Nigerian Economic Summit, Vice President Kashim Shettima hailed Dangote as a critical economic asset. “Undermining it hurts investment,” he said, urging focus on national progress over labor disputes.
PENGASSAN’s Firm Stand
PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo rebuked Shettima, asserting, “Nigeria is bigger than any individual or office.” He warned of future strikes if workers face similar treatment. Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa echoed, “The nation outweighs all.”
Kaduna Protests Condemn Union
Kaduna residents, led by Partners for National Economic Progress, rallied against PENGASSAN, accusing it of economic sabotage. Displaying signs like “Support Local Refineries,” leader Igwe Ude-Umanta demanded fair crude pricing for domestic refiners.
Economic Reforms in Focus
Minister Abubakar Bagudu emphasized local production, crediting 2023 reforms for 3.4% GDP growth in 2024 and a projected 4.6% in 2025. Minister Jumoke Oduwole highlighted Nigeria’s leadership in African trade integration, aiding dispute resolutions.
Union Branch Faces Backlash
PENGASSAN dissolved its Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company branch for not stopping gas to Dangote. The branch appealed, citing safety concerns and security presence. A 163-member petition denied sabotage and sought reinstatement.
Tinubu’s Role Praised
Dangote Refinery thanked President Bola Tinubu for defusing the crisis. It lauded officials like Nuhu Ribadu and stressed its role in cutting fuel costs, urging support for local refining efforts.
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