Emmanuel Ochayi
In a bid to maintain operational tranquility at the expansive Dangote Refinery, the management has issued a plea to the warring factions within the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas (NUPENG) and the Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) leaders to resolve their internal strife.
“We urge both unions to collaborate urgently, putting aside differences for the sake of our shared objectives,” emphasized a spokesperson from Dangote Refinery.
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The call for unity comes amidst escalating tensions stemming from claims of unlawful ousting of legitimate executives within the PTD, as asserted by counsel Ekoja Enenche of Enenche & Co.
The refinery, however, remains steadfast in its stance, urging both parties to reconcile their differences for the betterment of the industry.
“It is imperative for union leaders to prioritize dialogue and compromise to avoid any disruptions to our productive environment,” the spokesperson stressed.
The rift between the NUPENG and PTD factions escalated further when the PTD, in November 2023, threatened secession from NUPENG unless its national leadership resigned, citing competence concerns. In response, Afolabi Olawale, the General Secretary of NUPENG, refuted these allegations, maintaining that the dissenting faction did not represent the entirety of the PTD membership.
The ongoing leadership feud, which has led to arrests and detentions, remains unresolved, casting a shadow over the future of the unions and the refinery’s operations. However, with Dangote Refinery’s intervention, hopes are high for a prompt resolution.
Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train facility, boasts a capacity to refine 650,000 barrels per day, setting ambitious standards for clean fuel production.
As it embarks on its journey towards full operational capacity, the refinery’s significance in the region’s energy landscape cannot be overstated.
