Works Minister David Umahi Pleads with PENGASSAN to Shun Strike Action Over Dangote Dispute, Citing Fragile Economic Recovery

The Minister of Works, Engr. David Umahi, has made a passionate appeal to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to immediately suspend its ongoing nationwide strike, urging the union to prioritize national interest above the current industrial dispute with the Dangote Group.

The Minister’s plea was made on Monday during an inspection of the progress on the Lagos-Calabar Coastal Highway project in Lagos. Umahi stressed that any industrial action in the oil and gas sector at this critical time poses a significant threat to the nation’s economy.

“Any strike at this sensitive time would damage Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery,” Umahi stated, warning that industrial action would “derail the progress the nation is beginning to record.”

PENGASSAN embarked on the nationwide strike to protest the alleged unlawful dismissal of over 800 workers at the Dangote Refinery shortly after they joined the union. The union accuses the Dangote Group of contravening Nigerian labour laws and workers’ rights to freedom of association. Reports indicate that the union’s directive to cut crude and gas supply has forced the shutdown of the 650,000 barrels per day refinery and one of the fertilizer plant’s trains.

While acknowledging the workers’ concerns, the government, through various officials, has been pushing for dialogue. The Minister’s intervention adds to the government’s efforts to end the industrial action, which has the potential to destabilise Nigeria’s energy security and economic landscape.