The Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his timely intervention in halting what it described as a potential act of sabotage by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In a statement issued on Sunday, the company said the President’s leadership, through his ministers and key government officials, helped restore calm and stability to the energy sector at a critical period.
Last week, PENGASSAN had ordered the shutdown of vital oil and gas installations nationwide in protest against the alleged dismissal of 800 workers from the Dangote refinery who were said to have joined the union. The industrial action was later suspended following the Federal Government’s intervention.
“Dangote Refinery is grateful to President Bola Tinubu for his decisive intervention, which brought an end to PENGASSAN’s disruptive actions against our operations,” the statement read in part.
The company also commended top security and government officials, including the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed, for their efforts in restoring normalcy.
It further acknowledged the roles of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, describing their actions as “patriotic and selfless.”
The refinery extended appreciation to Nigerians for their solidarity during the dispute, stating that public support helped the company remain resolute amid “provocations from detractors and rent-seekers.”
“To Nigerians across all walks of life, we owe immense gratitude for your overwhelming support. Your voices and encouragement strengthened our commitment to national service,” it said.
Dangote Refinery also applauded its employees for maintaining operational stability during the crisis, describing them as the “true strength” of the group.
Reaffirming its commitment to fair labour practices and national development, the company described Dangote Group as one of Nigeria’s largest private-sector employers and contributors to national revenue.
It further praised the Nigerian judiciary for upholding the rule of law, accusing PENGASSAN of refusing to acknowledge valid court orders that restrained its actions.
“The judiciary stood as the bastion of hope and defended truth and justice despite attempts by some actors to undermine due process,” the company stated.
Dangote Refinery concluded by reaffirming its “unwavering dedication to Nigeria’s industrial growth,” pledging continued commitment to the uninterrupted production of petroleum products for the nation’s progress.
The refinery had been at the centre of a recent standoff with PENGASSAN over the dismissal of workers and unionisation issues, which led to temporary disruptions in fuel supply before government mediation restored calm.
