Latest News
PENGASSAN Strike Threatens Fuel Supply After Dangote Refinery Firings
Nigeria senior oil workers’ union has launched a nationwide strike after more than 800 workers were dismissed from the Dangote Refinery for seeking to join the union, a move that threatens fuel supplies and could deepen the country’s economic troubles.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, known as PENGASSAN, began the strike on Sunday, Sept. 28, halting operations at the massive refinery outside Lagos. The facility, owned by billionaire Aliko Dangote, produces an estimated 50% of Nigeria’s petrol.
Union leaders said members had also been directed to cut crude oil and natural gas supplies from international oil companies. If prolonged, the move could trigger widespread fuel shortages, blackouts, and daily economic losses estimated at 14.7 billion naira ($9.5 million).
“The dismissals are a direct attack on the rights of workers to freely associate and join unions,” PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo said in a statement. “We cannot stand by while our members are victimized.”
The federal government has moved quickly to contain the crisis. The Ministry of Labour and Employment has summoned representatives from both PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group to conciliation talks on Monday, Sept. 29. Officials said the aim is to prevent the strike from escalating into a nationwide fuel emergency.
“The government is deeply concerned about the economic and social impact of this action,” Labour Minister Nkeiruka Onyejeocha said. “We urge both parties to come to the table in good faith.”
The Dangote Refinery, which officially opened earlier this year, is considered a cornerstone of Nigeria’s strategy to end its reliance on imported fuel. The $20 billion project was hailed as a turning point for Africa’s largest oil producer, promising jobs, cheaper fuel, and energy security.
But the dispute with workers has cast a shadow over the project’s early operations. Dangote Group officials did not immediately respond to requests for comment.
Analysts warn that if the strike continues, Nigeria could face fuel queues, rising transport costs, and further pressure on inflation, already at its highest level in decades. Power generation, which relies heavily on gas, could also take a hit, leading to more frequent blackouts in cities and industries.
“The timing could not be worse,” said Lagos-based economist Chika Okafor. “The refinery was supposed to stabilize Nigeria’s fuel market, but now it risks becoming a flashpoint that worsens the energy crisis.”
Workers at the refinery said tensions had been building for weeks after staff pushed to affiliate with PENGASSAN. When more than 800 workers were dismissed, the union viewed it as retaliation.
“This is about respect and dignity,” said a dismissed refinery engineer who asked not to be named for fear of reprisals. “We only wanted to have a voice, and instead we lost our jobs.”
PENGASSAN has a history of using strikes to pressure both oil companies and the government. In the past, similar actions have crippled crude exports and disrupted the economy.
Experts say much depends on Monday’s conciliation talks. If the government can broker a deal quickly, the strike could end within days. If not, the standoff could ripple through Nigeria’s economy, affecting transport, businesses, and millions of households.
For now, motorists and businesses are bracing for the worst. Lines have already begun forming at some petrol stations in Lagos and Abuja amid fears of shortages.
“The strike is a reminder of how fragile Nigeria’s energy sector remains,” said energy analyst Ifeoma Nwosu. “The Dangote Refinery was supposed to be a solution, but it has also created new tensions that the government must now manage.”
As the talks loom, Nigerians wait anxiously, aware that even a few days of disrupted fuel supply could grind daily life to a halt.
latest
Kwara PDP Protests As Govt Moves To Reopen Robbery Case Against Saraki, Others.
The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Kwara State has strongly opposed reported moves by the state government to revisit the alleged Offa robbery case involving former Governor Abubakar Bukola Saraki and others.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
latest
2027: Oyo APC Senator Alli Declares Governorship Ambition.
Senator representing Oyo South, Sharafadeen Alli, has declared his intention to contest the Oyo State governorship election ahead of the 2027 general elections.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
latest
Showunmi Declares For Ogun 2027 Governorship, Seeks IPAC Support.
A PDP chieftain and convener of The Alternative, Otunba Segun Showunmi, has declared his intention to contest the 2027 Ogun State governorship election.....KINDLY READ THE FULL STORY HERE▶
-
latest8 months ago“Social Media Erupts As Jim Iyke Declares Rita Dominic Nollywood’s Most Beautiful”
-
latest2 years agoEdo Political Showdown: Oshiomhole Appears At Presidential Villa As Tinubu Hands APC Gubernatorial Flag To Okpebholo (Photos & Video)
-
entertainment2 years agoLove Knows No Age American Woman Defends Marriage To Young Nigerian Man “I’m Not 70”
-
latest2 years agoOlumide Akpata Strikes Again: Drops Killer Track, Sends Edo State Into Frenzy!(Video)
-
Politics2 years agoNigerians React As Pastor Adeboye Foresees Passing Away On A Sunday After Enjoying A Satisfying Meal Of Pounded Yam
-
latest2 years agoFG Identifies 31 States At Risk Of Heavy Flooding In 2024: See Full List
-
latest2 years ago5 NYSC Corpers Perish In Fatal Road Accident Returning From Camp
-
Politics2 years agoBREAKING: Inspector-General Of Police Summons Top Police Commanders For Crucial-Security Challenges
