PENGASSAN Declares Nationwide Strike Over ‘Mass Sack’ Of 800 Workers at Dangote Refinery

The face-off between oil workers’ union PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery has escalated, as the union orders a nationwide withdrawal of services following the sack of over 800 workers.

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, described the recent mass sack of Nigerian workers at Dangote Refinery, a violation of labour rights and a dangerous precedent.

In a strongly worded statement, the union alleges that Nigerians were dismissed for joining PENGASSAN and replaced with over 2,000 foreign nationals, describing the move as an “enslavement of Nigerian workers.”

The National Executive Council of PENGASSAN has now directed all members across oil companies, institutions, and agencies to withdraw services beginning Monday, September 29, 2025. The action includes shutting down control room operations, panel operations, and ramping down crude and gas supply to the Dangote Refinery.

The management of Dangote Refinery has denied any wrongdoing, insisting the restructuring was to curb sabotage and ensure sustainable operations.

But with PENGASSAN’s directive in force, the shutdown could impact crude supply and Nigeria’s energy stability.