Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) of prioritizing union dues over the welfare of workers in the ongoing industrial dispute with the company.
In a statement issued on Monday, the refinery said the TUC acted “zombie-like” by declaring full solidarity with PENGASSAN and threatening a nationwide strike without verifying the claims behind the action.
The company alleged that the real motivation of both unions is the preservation of their financial interests through monthly check-off dues rather than genuine concern for employees.
Dangote Refinery cited comments by PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo, who acknowledged during a media interview that the union demanded dues from the refinery barely a day after workers allegedly unionised.
The company argued that this proves the primary focus of the unions is financial gain.
The statement further described PENGASSAN and TUC as “twins from the same womb,” alleging that workers’ contributions are diverted to sustain the “lavish and opulent lifestyles” of union leaders.
The refinery challenged the unions to publish their financial records, stating that members have a right to know how their dues are being managed.
The company also accused the unions of threatening Nigeria’s energy security for personal benefit. “On account of these monthly check-off dues, PENGASSAN and its collaborators are ready to plunge Nigeria and Nigerians into utter darkness and anarchy,” the refinery said.
The dispute escalated after PENGASSAN, on September 26, directed its members to embark on a nationwide strike over the termination of more than 800 Nigerian employees.
The TUC followed on September 29, demanding reinstatement of the dismissed workers and threatening broader industrial action.
Dangote Refinery urged the federal government to resist what it described as attempts by labour leaders to destabilize the country’s energy sector, calling the facility a “national asset that requires collective protection.”
