Nigeria’s Vice President, Kashim Shettima, has waded into the ongoing standoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery, warning that the country will not be held hostage by any labour union over what he described as a “minor dispute.”
Shettima’s remarks come as the feud between PENGASSAN and the management of Africa’s largest refinery intensifies, raising concerns about potential disruptions to Nigeria’s oil production and refinery operations.
Shettima Warns Against ‘Holding the Nation Hostage’
Speaking at a policy forum in Abuja on Monday, the Vice President condemned what he termed the “weaponization of labour grievances,” stressing that while the government respects the rights of organized labour, it will not allow any union to “blackmail” the Nigerian state.
“We cannot afford a situation where critical sectors of the economy are shut down because of internal disagreements. Nigeria belongs to all of us, and no union, no matter how powerful, can hold 200 million citizens to ransom over what should be resolved through dialogue,” Shettima said.
He reminded union leaders that the Tinubu administration has been open to negotiations and constructive engagement but added that “the era of economic sabotage disguised as industrial action is over.”
Shettima’s statement was seen as a direct response to PENGASSAN’s threats of industrial action following disagreements with the management of the Dangote Refinery over employment structures, union recognition, and compliance with local labour laws.
PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery, and the Looming Labour Tension
The disagreement reportedly stems from PENGASSAN’s push to unionize workers at the newly commissioned Dangote Refinery and to enforce broader industry labour standards. The refinery, which is projected to refine up to 650,000 barrels of crude oil per day, has become a central pillar in Nigeria’s energy independence drive.
Union leaders accuse the company of resisting labour inclusion, while the management maintains that its operations comply with national labour laws and global best practices.
Sources within the Ministry of Labour told OGM News NG that high-level talks are ongoing to de-escalate tensions before they spiral into a wider oil-sector shutdown.
However, the Vice President’s remarks appear to signal the government’s unwillingness to tolerate prolonged industrial disputes, especially at a time when the administration is struggling to stabilize the economy and attract foreign investment.
Shettima Reaffirms Government’s Stance on Labour Dialogue
Vice President Shettima emphasized that President Bola Tinubu’s administration remains committed to protecting workers’ rights but will not compromise national stability.
“We are a government of dialogue, not of threats. We believe in fairness, but fairness must go both ways. Labour must also recognize that economic growth requires cooperation, not confrontation,” he added.
He assured that the government is engaging both PENGASSAN and Dangote Industries to reach a peaceful resolution while urging union members to prioritize national interest above corporate rivalry.
“This refinery is not just a private investment—it’s a national asset. Disrupting its operation hurts everyone, especially ordinary Nigerians who are already facing economic pressures,” Shettima said.
Observers say Shettima’s intervention reflects the administration’s determination to maintain industrial harmony as the refinery ramps up operations expected to transform Nigeria’s fuel supply and reduce dependency on imports.
Government Balancing Act Between Labour and Industry
As tensions simmer, analysts warn that the Tinubu government faces a delicate balancing act: protecting workers’ rights while ensuring that vital national projects like the Dangote Refinery are not crippled by industrial unrest.
The Vice President’s statement underscores a broader effort to project firmness amid growing labour agitation in various sectors, from power to petroleum.
With negotiations ongoing, both sides are expected to return to the table in the coming days. The government, according to insiders, has urged restraint, reminding all stakeholders that “Nigeria’s progress cannot be sacrificed on the altar of ego or agitation.”
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