The management of Dangote Refinery has accused the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of acting like “terrorists” following the union’s directive to shut crude oil and gas supply to the refinery.
In a statement issued on Sunday, the company described PENGASSAN’s decision as a “bully tactic” that could cripple economic activities and worsen hardship for Nigerians dependent on petroleum products such as petrol, diesel, kerosene, aviation fuel and cooking gas.
“The oligarchs in PENGASSAN have proved themselves to be terrorists and have turned the Association into a bully organisation. It is time they be called to order. Over time, the Association has consistently served interests other than those of Nigerians and Nigerian workers,” the company said.
The refinery management said the industrial action stemmed from its decision to disengage some workers over issues relating to union membership.
It urged Nigerians and government authorities not to succumb to what it described as intimidation, insisting that the refinery remained committed to its operations and to national economic growth.
PENGASSAN had on Saturday directed its members to down tools and shut installations nationwide, accusing Dangote Refinery of sacking over 800 workers for belonging to the union.
