Dangote Petroleum Refinery has appealed to Nigerians to reject the actions of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) over the current industrial dispute with the company.
Gatekeepers News reports that in. a statement issued on Monday, the refinery criticised TUC for declaring solidarity with PENGASSAN and threatening a nationwide strike without first verifying the allegations on which its position was based.
It said, “We are reminded that anyone who listens to one side alone and pronounces judgment without hearing the other is a fool. Sadly, the Trade Union Congress has chosen that path.”
According to the refinery, both unions are primarily driven by their interest in securing check-off dues. The company highlighted the comments made by Festus Osifo, president of PENGASSAN, who admitted in a recent interview that the union demanded remittance of dues just a day after employees reportedly unionised.
According to Dangote Refinery, dismissed PENGASSAN and TUC’s true motivation lies in preserving their financial benefits rather than protecting workers.
It added, “Their major concern is the steady flow of monthly check-off dues and other subscriptions that fund their extravagant lifestyles. Even Festus Osifo acknowledged this openly on national television.”
“For these dues, PENGASSAN and its allies—including the TUC—are willing to drag Nigeria into chaos and darkness.”
The refinery also accused PENGASSAN, TUC, and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) of mismanaging workers’ contributions while allegedly living in luxury.
It said, “We see the evidence of these payments only in their lavish lifestyles. Nigerians must rise and resist these so-called leaders who stand against progress.”
The company urged federal government to resist alleged attempts by labour leaders to destabilise the country’s energy sector.
The statement added, “Dangote Refinery is a national asset that needs our collective protection and prayers. To borrow from the TUC’s own words, TUC and its allies, regardless of size or influence, must not be allowed to undermine the dignity and rights of 230 million Nigerians.”
Dangote Refinery also challenged the unions to publish their financial statements, insisting that workers deserved transparency on how their deductions are used.
