PENGASSAN has instructed its members to halt gas and crude oil supplies to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, effective immediately. This decision comes in response to the refinery’s alleged unlawful termination of unionized workers, with PENGASSAN accusing the management of targeting employees who exercised their constitutional right to unionize.
*LKey Points:
– Reason for the directive: PENGASSAN claims the refinery’s management dismissed workers for unionizing, violating Section 40 of the 1999 Constitution, which guarantees freedom of association.
– Actions taken: PENGASSAN has directed its members to:
– Cut off gas supply: The Nigerian Gas Infrastructure Company (NGIC) has been instructed to stop gas supply to the refinery immediately.
– Shut crude oil supply valves: All crude oil supply valves to the refinery are to be shut, and loading operations for vessels destined for the facility must be halted.
– Potential impact: Industry observers warn that this standoff could disrupt refinery operations, affecting the energy sector and potentially destabilizing national energy security.
– Dangote Refinery’s stance: The refinery management claims the restructuring was necessary to prevent sabotage and ensure operational efficiency, stating that over 3,000 Nigerians remain employed at the facility.
