PENGASSAN has Declared Nationwide Strike as Dangote Refinery Sacks Over 800 Nigerian Workers.
GoldenNewsNg reports that The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has announced an indefinite nationwide strike following the dismissal of more than 800 of its members by the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a statement issued on Saturday, September 27, 2025, the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) described the action as a direct assault on workers’ rights and a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws, the Constitution, and international labour standards.
The NEC alleged that the refinery had replaced Nigerian employees with over 2,000 foreign nationals, mostly from India, while subjecting local staff to harsh working conditions. The union said the mass sack had thrown hundreds of families into crisis and accused the refinery of showing disregard for a country that has extended unprecedented incentives to its operations.
The council resolved that all members in field locations should withdraw services from 6:00 a.m. on Sunday, September 28, while workers in offices, institutions, and agencies across the country are to stop work from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, September 29. It further directed that all gas and crude oil supplies to the Dangote Refinery be halted, ordering international oil companies to cut deliveries.
The NEC stressed that no company or individual is above the law, declaring that the decision by the refinery would not be allowed to stand. It also called on members to engage in round-the-clock prayers, asking God to give authorities the courage to enforce the law.
Reaffirming its stance, the union said: “No man is bigger than our country. An injury to one is an injury to all.”
The strike action, if sustained, could significantly disrupt petroleum operations nationwide and deepen tensions in the oil and gas sector at a time the country is grappling with economic reforms.
