Kukah, Sanusi to PENGASSAN: Dangote refinery an audacious project — it shouldn’t be undermined

A coalition of eminent Nigerians, including business leaders, clerics, and civil society advocates, has thrown its weight behind the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The group warned labour unions, particularly the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), against actions that could undermine the refinery.

PENGASSAN and Dangote refinery were embroiled in a labour dispute, which led to a strike that temporarily paralysed the downstream sector, and inflicted more hardship on Nigerians.

In a joint statement signed by Atedo Peterside, founder of Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc; Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, the Emir of Kano; Matthew Kukah, the Catholic bishop of Sokoto Diocese; Osita Chidoka, former minister of aviation; Opeyemi Adamolekun, executive director of EiE; and other prominent figures, the group condemned recent disruptions and threats of industrial action targeting the refinery as detrimental to Nigeria’s energy security and investment climate.

“The right to organise cannot become a licence to hold the economy hostage,” the statement reads.

“Productive enterprises that lower costs and create jobs must be safeguarded.”

The leaders lamented decades of neglect of government-owned refineries, which led to fuel scarcity, inflation, and insecurity.

They described the Dangote refinery as “a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve”, noting its role in reducing fuel prices from about N1,500 per litre to around N820 in some areas, with corresponding drops in transport fares and food costs.

“This impact gives Nigerians a glimpse of how local productivity can improve daily life,” the statement added.

“It also sends a message to investors that genuine industry can still thrive in Nigeria.”

The group said workers’ rights must be exercised responsibly and within the law, dismissing monopoly allegations and clarifying that the refinery operates in an open market where others are free to invest.

“Stakeholders with competition concerns should approach statutory regulators such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) rather than resort to strikes or blockades,” they advised.

Commending the federal government, labour unions, and Dangote refinery management for stepping back from confrontation, the signatories urged all parties to embrace dialogue as a lasting solution.

“This crisis is not about a refinery or any other business,” they said.

“It is about the direction of our economy: whether we continue in a cycle of scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored on productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity.

“The Dangote refinery represents an audacious step forward. It should be strengthened, not undermined.”

Other signatories include Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Sola Akinyede, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Arunma Oteh, and Aisha Yesufu.