Consumer forum asks FG to probe PENGASSAN over ‘plot to sabotage’ Dangote refinery

The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum has asked the federal government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate “attempts” by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to “sabotage” the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

On Friday, PENGASSAN said the refinery laid off over 800 workers, noting that the group was working to “resolve” the issue.

Subsequently, the Dangote refinery confirmed sacking some workers, saying that “only a small number were affected” in what it described as a reorganisation exercise.

Following the announcement, PENGASSAN urged the management of the refinery “to recall all terminated Nigerian workers”.

Earlier on Saturday, PENGASSAN directed its members to cut gas supply to the Dangote refinery.

In response, Dangote refinery warned that the move could plunge Nigeria into widespread scarcity and disrupt the availability of key petroleum products, including petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel, and cooking gas.

Reacting to the crisis in a statement issued on Sunday by Olabisi Taiwo and Justice Alikor, president and secretary, respectively, the consumers forum expressed concern over PENGASSAN’s threat to picket the refinery because of the alleged mass sackings.

The group warned that such action could plunge the country back into scarcity of petroleum products, trigger economic instability, and cause national embarrassment.

“PENGASSAN, alongside NUPENG, played a significant role in the collapse of Nigeria’s public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna,” the statement reads.

“They resisted reforms, blocked privatisation, and crippled fuel supply with strikes. Their actions contributed to the rot that turned these refineries into relics of corruption and mismanagement.”

The forum also condemned the union’s “inflammatory rhetoric”, referencing a metaphorical remark about a “witch crying in the night”, which it described as reckless and divisive.

“Who benefits if the refinery fails?” the forum asked. “Certainly not the Nigerian people, but fuel importers and rent seekers who profit from chaos.”

The forum urged PENGASSAN to embrace dialogue, respect court orders, and put national interest ahead of “irresponsible unionism”.

It also called on the ministries of labour, petroleum resources, and justice to intervene and safeguard the refinery from disruption.

“The government must send a clear message: industrial blackmail will not be tolerated,” the forum added.

“Nigerians have suffered enough from fuel queues and economic hardship. The Dangote refinery is our best chance at energy independence, and we must not allow vested interests to destroy it.”

The forum reaffirmed its support for stability, progress, and the rule of law, urging Nigerians to protect the refinery as a symbol of hope and a departure from the country’s troubled energy past.