Members of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have staged a protest at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) Towers in Abuja on Monday, demanding the reinstatement of Dangote Refinery workers who were sacked.
The demonstration was organized in response to the recent dismissal of about 80 workers at Dangote Refinery.
Last week, the refinery terminated the employment of several staff members, citing ongoing sabotage that posed serious safety risks and hindered operational efficiency.
The company stated that this decision was not made lightly but was essential for safeguarding the facility and ensuring its long-term viability.
This action has drawn criticism from labor unions, with PENGASSAN leadership calling on members to halt services and all operations related to gas and crude supply to the refinery.
The association argued that Dangote Refinery’s decision to dismiss over 800 employees for joining PENGASSAN is an affront to all Nigerian workers and a clear violation of the country’s labor laws, the constitution, and International Labour Organization (ILO) conventions.
PENGASSAN emphasized that no interventions would be accepted at any field locations unless personnel and asset safety were at risk.
“The reputation of Dangote Refinery for exploiting Nigerian workers, coupled with the dismissal of all Nigerian employees in favor of hiring over 2,000 Indians, demonstrates disloyalty to a nation that has provided unprecedented incentives to his company at the expense of taxpayers.
“They have subjected Nigerians to the harshest working conditions in the oil and gas sector.
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“The over 800 employees whose positions have been filled by Indians, along with their families, are Nigerians who have been unjustly affected, and it is crucial to prevent setting a dangerous precedent.
“Therefore, the National Executive Council (NEC) resolves as follows: all PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies should cease all services starting at 00:01 on Monday, September 29, 2025.
“Immediate cessation of all gas and crude supply processes to Dangote Refinery is required. All branches of International Oil Companies (IOCs) must reduce gas production and supply to Dangote Refinery and petrochemicals.
“We also pray for divine guidance for those in authority to compel Dangote and his associates to adhere to our country’s laws,” the association stated.
In response, the federal government has urged the association to postpone its planned strike and has called both parties to a dispute resolution meeting.
