Amanze Chinonye
The standoff between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) deepened on Monday as the union dismissed reports of a valid court injunction halting its nationwide strike.
Reports earlier in the day suggested that the National Industrial Court in Abuja had restrained the union from proceeding with the action. But in a later memo, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Comrade Lumumba Okugbawa, rejected the claims, stressing that the union had not been formally served with any order.
“Our attention has been drawn to rumours making rounds on a court injunction restraining our noble exercise,” Okugbawa said. “I want to unequivocally state that we have not been served anything of such. Court orders or processes are served via court bailiff and not through social media.”
Join our WhatsApp ChannelThe strike, which began in the early hours of Monday, September 29, is expected to continue until Dangote Refinery reinstates more than 800 Nigerian workers allegedly dismissed for joining PENGASSAN. The disruption has already cut crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery, heightening fears of nationwide fuel shortages.
Earlier on Monday, Justice Subilim of the National Industrial Court issued an interim injunction restraining PENGASSAN and industry regulators including NNPC, NUPRC, and NMDPRA from cutting supply to the refinery.
The judge warned of “irreparable harm” to Nigeria’s petroleum supply chain should the disruption persist and adjourned further hearing until October 13. But with PENGASSAN insisting it has not been served, the enforceability of the injunction remains uncertain.
READ ALSO: Fuel Crisis Averted? FG Holds Emergency Meeting with PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery
Nationwide PENGASSAN Strike Grounds Nigeria’s Oil, Gas Regulators, Threatens Fuel Supply
Political figures have begun weighing in as the crisis threatens wider economic fallout. Former presidential candidate Peter Obi expressed alarm at the strike’s impact on citizens and businesses, urging immediate federal intervention.
“I am deeply worried about the government’s lack of response to the strike, which is already having an adverse effect on citizens and our economy,” Obi said, calling for a “win-win” resolution to protect workers, investors, and the public.
Senator Ali Ndume adopted a more confrontational tone, urging President Bola Tinubu to act decisively suggesting an executive order or even dissolving PENGASSAN if it persists. He accused the union of prioritising private interests over national stability and warned against what he described as a “poisonous media narrative” against Dangote Refinery.
The National Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) also voiced concern, describing the strike as a “clear and present danger” to the economy and urging all parties to return to negotiations without delay.
For now, the dispute remains at an impasse between a contested court order and PENGASSAN’s defiance leaving Nigeria’s fuel supply, investor confidence, and industrial peace hanging in the balance.
Amanze Chinonye is a Staff Correspondent at Prime Business Africa, a rising star in the literary world, weaving captivating stories that transport readers to the vibrant landscapes of Nigeria and the rest of Africa. With a unique voice that blends with the newspaper's tradition and style, Chinonye's writing is a masterful exploration of the human condition, delving into themes of identity, culture, and social justice. Through her words, Chinonye paints vivid portraits of everyday African life, from the bustling markets of Nigeria's Lagos to the quiet villages of South Africa's countryside . With a keen eye for detail and a deep understanding of the complexities of Nigerian society, Chinonye's writing is both a testament to the country's rich cultural heritage and a powerful call to action for a brighter future. As a writer, Chinonye is a true storyteller, using her dexterity to educate, inspire, and uplift readers around the world.
