President Bola Tinubu has urged all parties involved in the ongoing dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, and the management of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery to embrace dialogue, caution, and patriotism in resolving their differences.
Speaking through Vice-President Kashim Shettima at the 31st Nigerian Economic Summit in Abuja, the President emphasized the importance of industrial harmony as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s economic recovery and growth strategy.
He appealed for calm, stressing that disputes between labour unions and private enterprises must be managed responsibly to avoid undermining national progress.
“The government is taking proactive steps to protect major industries like Dangote Refinery because they play a vital role in our long-term economic transformation,” Tinubu said. “Aliko Dangote is not just an individual; he is an institution. He chose to invest in Nigeria, and we owe it to future generations to protect and preserve such investments.”
Tinubu’s remarks come amid tensions following the decision by PENGASSAN to halt gas supply and withdraw its members’ services from the refinery.
The union accused the company of terminating over 800 workers, a claim the refinery has described as a byproduct of its internal restructuring process aimed at improving efficiency and competitiveness.
Acknowledging the critical role of both labour and management, the President urged for mutual understanding and collective responsibility.
“This is a refinery financed through equity and local and foreign loans. For it to remain viable, it must function optimally to service its obligations,” he noted.
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The government, Tinubu assured, remains committed to mediating disputes to ensure fairness for all parties involved. “We call for caution, retrospection, and a deeper sense of patriotism from both labour and the organised private sector in defining their relationship in the interest of all Nigerians,” he said.
He further warned that while unions have the right to advocate for their members, they must do so within the framework of national interest.
“Nigeria is greater than PENGASSAN, and greater than any individual or company. Our collective duty is to build, not break, the economic structures that sustain our people,” Tinubu cautioned.
The Federal Government recently facilitated talks between the two parties, resulting in a temporary truce. Both sides are expected to continue dialogue under the Ministry of Labour’s supervision.
As the Nigerian economy strives toward inclusivity and reform under Vision 2030, industrial stability remains a critical priority. The Dangote-PENGASSAN standoff serves as a reminder that collaboration, not confrontation, is key to achieving sustainable growth.
NAN
