Tinubu’s Timely Intervention Averted National Energy Crisis — Dangote Commends President for Preventing PENGASSAN Disruption
Tinubu’s Timely Intervention Averted National Energy Crisis — Dangote Commends President for Preventing PENGASSAN Disruption
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
Nigeria’s industrial landscape narrowly escaped a major energy shutdown last week following President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s intervention in the face of an escalating standoff between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
According to a statement released on Sunday, Dangote Refinery expressed profound gratitude to the President for what it described as a “timely and patriotic intervention” that prevented the union’s “disruptive actions” from paralysing the country’s energy sector.
Crisis Erupts Over Alleged Sack of 800 Union Members
Akahi News gathered that the labour unrest began when PENGASSAN accused the Dangote Refinery of unlawfully sacking 800 workers who had joined the union. In protest, the union shut down critical oil and gas installations, threatening nationwide fuel shortages and industrial disruption.
However, following the intervention of the Federal Government, PENGASSAN suspended its strike on Wednesday, bringing a temporary reprieve to Nigeria’s already fragile energy supply chain.
In its statement, Dangote Refinery lauded President Tinubu and several top officials for their swift mediation efforts.
“Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, Bola Tinubu, for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the refinery,” the company said.
Government, Security Chiefs Credited for Restoring Calm
The company further appreciated key figures who “worked tirelessly” to de-escalate tensions, including:
- National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu
- Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi
- Director-General of the NIA, Mohammed Mohammed
- Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi
- Minister of Finance, Wale Edun
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu
- Minister of State for Labour, Hon Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
Dangote Refinery praised these officials for their “patriotism and national service,” noting that their coordinated actions prevented potential sabotage to Nigeria’s energy sector.
“We Owe Nigerians a Debt of Gratitude” — Dangote Refinery
In an emotional tone, the company thanked Nigerians across all walks of life for their overwhelming public support during the industrial crisis.
“To Nigerians of all walks of life, we owe you more than a debt of gratitude. Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming,” the statement read.
Dangote also accused unnamed “rent seekers and economic saboteurs” of attempting to destabilise the refinery’s operations for selfish gains, pledging to continue defending national interests through uninterrupted fuel production.
Refinery Defends Its Labour Record, Commends Judiciary
The company reaffirmed its commitment to fair labour practices and national development, describing the Dangote Group as “one of Nigeria’s model private sector employers” and the country’s largest private contributor to tax revenues.
It also praised the Nigerian judiciary for standing firm during the dispute, citing its integrity in upholding the rule of law despite alleged resistance from some union leaders.
“The judiciary came to society’s rescue at our critical moment of need. They proved themselves as the bastion of hope for all,” the refinery stated.
Public Reactions: Nigerians Divided Over Tinubu’s Role
The development has sparked diverse reactions on social media platforms, particularly on Nairaland, where users debated whether President Tinubu’s intervention was purely patriotic or politically motivated.
A user identified as Abdul05 remarked,
“If Tinubu hadn’t stepped in, Nigeria could have gone dark. Labour rights matter, but national interest comes first.”
However, another user, FarahAideed, countered,
“So you really believe he stepped in good faith? Hahaha.”
Others, like Tjra, praised both Tinubu and Dangote, writing,
“These men must be protected by all means. Oil cartels are working 24/7 to make sure they fail, but God pass them.”
The comments reflect a wider public debate on the delicate balance between labour rights, industrial harmony, and political influence in Nigeria’s energy sector.
Averting a Potential National Shutdown
Observers believe the Dangote Refinery crisis could have triggered a nationwide fuel shortage if not swiftly contained. With the refinery playing a crucial role in Nigeria’s domestic energy production, the intervention underscores the importance of strong government-private sector synergy in sustaining economic stability.
As Akahi News learnt, the Dangote Group has reaffirmed its commitment to maintaining continuous operations, promising to prioritise national service over conflict.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments in the ongoing relationship between the government, labour unions, and private investors in Nigeria’s critical energy industry.
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