PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike Over ‘Mass Sacking’ Of 800 Workers At Dangote Refinery

By Micheal Chukwuebuka

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced a nationwide strike commencing on Monday, 29 September, in protest against the alleged dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Refinery.

In a strongly worded statement issued at the weekend, the union condemned what it described as a “mass sacking” of Nigerian employees, calling it a violation of labour rights and a dangerous precedent. PENGASSAN alleged that the affected workers were dismissed for joining the union and subsequently replaced with over 2,000 foreign nationals, describing the move as an “enslavement of Nigerian workers.”

The National Executive Council (NEC) of PENGASSAN has directed all its members across oil companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw their services from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, 29 September 2025. The industrial action will involve the shutdown of control room operations, panel operations, and the reduction of crude oil and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery.

“All PENGASSAN members across all offices, companies, institutions, and agencies are hereby directed to withdraw their services effective 00:01 hours on Monday, 29 September 2025,” the statement read.

The union also ordered branches within International Oil Companies (IOCs) to ramp down gas production and halt supply to Dangote Refinery and its petrochemical operations.

PENGASSAN further urged its members to hold a night vigil as the strike begins, calling for divine intervention and courage for authorities to compel compliance with labour laws.

“No man is bigger than our country. An injury to one is an injury to all,” the statement added.