The management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention in resolving the recent industrial dispute with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The refinery leadership described the President’s role as crucial in preventing a potential disruption to Nigeria’s energy sector.
In a statement released on Sunday, the refinery acknowledged that the President’s decisive leadership, through the efforts of his ministers and senior government officials, restored calm and stability to the sector at a critical time.
Last week, PENGASSAN had shut down key oil and gas installations across the country, alleging that Dangote Refinery had unlawfully dismissed about 800 workers affiliated with the union. Following the Federal Government’s intervention, the union suspended its strike on Wednesday, paving the way for the resumption of normal operations.
“Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the refinery,” the company stated.
The refinery credited several top government officials for their “tireless” efforts in restoring order, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
It also commended other cabinet members, among them the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, for their “patriotism and national service.”
The refinery extended its gratitude to Nigerians for their public support throughout the crisis, noting that citizens’ encouragement strengthened its resolve.
“To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming,” the statement read.
Dangote Refinery further alleged that certain individuals had attempted to undermine the company’s progress and the nation’s economic stability, but vowed to continue safeguarding national interests against what it described as “rent seekers, economic saboteurs, and squatters.”
The company also lauded its workforce for remaining steadfast during the industrial unrest. “To our loyal workers, who ensured that our operations were not disrupted even for a second, we thank and appreciate you. The strength of Dangote Group lies in our people and their unalloyed dedication,” the statement added.
Reaffirming its status as one of Nigeria’s largest private employers, the refinery described the Dangote Group as a model of fair employment practices and a major contributor to national development.
The company also praised the judiciary for upholding the rule of law during the dispute, accusing PENGASSAN of rejecting valid court orders intended to restrain its actions. “The judiciary stood up for truth and proved itself a bastion of hope, even in the face of provocation,” it noted.
Concluding the statement, Dangote Refinery reiterated its “unwavering dedication to national service and industrial growth,” pledging to continue producing petroleum products for the benefit of Nigerians despite “distractions from detractors and saboteurs.”
The dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN had threatened to destabilize the nation’s fuel supply before government mediation restored peace. The crisis followed earlier tensions between the refinery and industry unions over supply and pricing disagreements.
