Bishop of the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Matthew Kukah, alongside other prominent Nigerians, has intervened in the ongoing crisis between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
Gatekeepers News reports that in a joint statement signed by Kukah and 12 others on Tuesday, the group urged both parties to prioritise dialogue over confrontation, stressing the need to uphold workers’ rights while safeguarding national economic interests.
The statement noted that although government mediation had helped de-escalate the crisis, the incident carried vital lessons for Nigeria’s industrial and investment future.
“For decades, Nigerians endured the collapse of government-owned refineries, waste in subsidies, and dependence on imports. In this context, the Dangote Refinery represents more than a private venture — it is a national symbol of what bold domestic investment can achieve,” the statement read.
The group observed that the refinery’s operations had already helped reduce petrol prices in some parts of the country from about ₦1,500 to ₦820 per litre — a 55 per cent decline — and consequently eased inflationary pressures.
However, it warned that frequent strikes or industrial disruptions could undermine investor confidence and economic recovery.
“Workers’ rights must be respected, but the right to organise cannot become a licence to hold the economy hostage. At the same time, investors must operate transparently, uphold fair labour practices, and reinvest in their host communities,” the signatories said.
They also cautioned against using industrial actions to address alleged monopoly concerns, noting that regulatory agencies such as the Federal Competition and Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) exist to handle such issues.
“Where there are legitimate claims of dominance or unfair pricing, these should be addressed through statutory bodies, not strikes that inflict hardship on Nigerians,” the statement added.
Other signatories include Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Aisha Yesufu, Arunma Oteh, Atedo Peterside, Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman, Dudu Mamman Manuga, Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri, Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Obonganwan Barbara Etim James, Opeyemi Adamolekun, Osita Chidoka, and Senator Sola Akinyede.
The group commended the Federal Government and Dangote Refinery for opting for dialogue, describing the resolution as “a template for future labour–industry relations.”
“This crisis is not just about a refinery or a business; it is about the direction of our economy — whether we continue with scarcity and rent-seeking or build a future anchored in productivity, fairness, and shared prosperity,” they added.
Meanwhile, Group CEO of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Bayo Ojulari, linked the refinery–PENGASSAN standoff to the recent scarcity and price surge in cooking gas, disclosing that Nigeria lost about 200,000 barrels per day of crude oil production during the dispute.
