The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) faction within NUPENG has appealed to President Bola Tinubu to take immediate action against the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). PTD accuses PENGASSAN’s leadership of exceeding its authority and attempting to destabilize the significant achievements of the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals complex.
In a firm declaration issued in Abuja by Obi-Dede Wonder representing PTD elders, the group dismissed PENGASSAN’s recent threat to initiate industrial strikes within the downstream oil sector as “baseless, provocative, and irrelevant.”
The statement urged the Nigerian public and industry participants to disregard what it described as PENGASSAN’s “fabrications, insinuations, and misleading narratives,” firmly denying any wrongful dismissal of 800 Nigerian employees at the refinery as alleged by the union.
“PENGASSAN’s claim that Dangote replaced qualified Nigerian staff with over 2,000 Indian workers-many purportedly lacking valid immigration documentation-is not only inaccurate but a deliberate attempt at misinformation. Since when did PENGASSAN take on the role of immigration enforcement to scrutinize foreign nationals in Nigeria?” PTD questioned.
PTD highlighted that Dangote Refinery has been transparent in explaining that the recent workforce changes were part of an internal restructuring aimed at enhancing operational efficiency and countering repeated sabotage efforts targeting the multi-billion-dollar facility.
Contrary to PENGASSAN’s assertions, the drivers emphasized that over 3,000 Nigerian employees continue to work at the refinery following the reorganization.
“It is within the legal rights of any employer, including Dangote Refinery, to hire or terminate staff when necessary, especially if certain actions jeopardize operational safety, efficiency, or national energy security. This aligns perfectly with President Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda as outlined in the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA),” the statement affirmed.
PTD also accused PENGASSAN and NUPENG of relying on outdated methods of extortion through unjustified union dues, thereby compromising Nigeria’s strategic interests.
The statement continued:
“We urge Nigerians to reject the disruptive tactics of these economic saboteurs. PENGASSAN and its affiliates must cease exploiting workers to fulfill narrow financial ambitions at the expense of national priorities. It is imperative that all stakeholders unite to hold them accountable.”
Expressing unwavering support for Dangote Refinery, PTD praised the management for its vigilance in detecting and addressing sabotage attempts, underscoring the refinery’s role as a vital national asset essential to energy security, industrial progress, and the livelihoods of thousands across Nigeria and the African continent.
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“We stand resolutely behind Dangote Refinery’s leadership. Their decisions serve the best interests of both the company and the nation. Safeguarding this landmark investment means protecting jobs, communities, and Nigeria’s future. We call on President Tinubu, the National Assembly, and security agencies-including the Police, DSS, and NSCDC-to act decisively to defend the refinery from sabotage and exploitation by subsidy fraudsters and their collaborators,” PTD declared.
The drivers also commended Dangote Refinery for reaffirming its adherence to international labor standards, including respecting employees’ freedom to choose union representation without coercion.
Earlier, Dangote Refinery clarified that its workforce audit and restructuring were precautionary measures designed to ensure operational safety, transparency, and sustainable stability.