The Nation Newspaper

Category: Energy

  • Group tasks PENGASSAN, NUPENG to build private refinery with accrued check-off dues

    Group tasks PENGASSAN, NUPENG to build private refinery with accrued check-off dues

    The Stand-Up South South Security Group has advised the leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to utilise the accrued members check-off dues to build a private Refinery for both unions.

    In a statement on Monday by Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, National Secretary, the group gave the advice in view of the recent dispute between management of Dangote Refinery and leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over unionisation of workers in Dangote Refinery and payment of check-off dues.

    According to the group: “ Going forward, it has become imperative for PENGASSAN and NUPENG to start planning to build a private Refinery with the check-off dues being paid by members”

    “The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG were established the same time in 1977 and 1978 respectively, both unions can pull resources together to build a private Refinery.’

    The group also alleged that some members of PENGASSAN were handling operation and maintenance in all the NNPCL Refineries, and yet the NNPCL Refineries are not working, who should be blamed? . The FG and NNPCL must stop those sabotaging the NNPC Refineries “

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    “ Both PENGASSAN and NUPENG have been collecting these check-off dues from members since inception till now, and the accrued dues if properly harnessed may as well be enough to have built or build a Refinery solely belonging to the two unions. This suggestion to PENGASSAN and NUPENG to consider building their own Refinery, it is because there is almost no hope for when the government owned moribund Refineries would come back to life”

    It stated: “ Therefore, the PENGASSAN and NUPENG can start thinking in the direction of obtaining a Refinery license from the Federal Government. The check-off dues from all members of PENGASSAN and NUPENG can be adequately channeled to building a private Refinery in any part of the Country, preferably, in the oil rich South South region ( Niger Delta).”

    The group expressed appreciation to patriotic Nigerians who have built modular Refineries in the country, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote for building the World’s largest single train Dangote Petroleum Refinery in Lagos State, Nigeria.

    “We strongly believe that PENGASSAN and NUPENG can put resources together from check-off dues to build a private modular Refinery, which will be of help to its members, create employment, and support the economy. The Nigerians who had the courage and taken the risk to invest in building Refineries in Nigeria, actually did so with a singular aim to free Nigeria from importation of refined products”

    “ It is possible that PENGASSAN and NUPENG can also follow this path to build a private Refinery, and we urge the Federal Government and regulatory agencies to consider issuing Refinery license to PENGASSAN and NUPENG”

    “ Instead of having a fight with management of Dangote Refinery, the leadership of PENGASSAN and NUPENG should rather compel the Federal Government to revive PH, Warri and Kaduna Refineries”

    “ Nigeria is the only Country we have, all citizens irrespective of religion, tribes and political affiliations must contribute and join hands together to build a better Nation for ourselves and unborn generations.”

  • IBEDC greets Nigeria at 65

    IBEDC greets Nigeria at 65

    The Ibadan Electricity Distribution Company Plc (IBEDC) has felicitated with Nigerians on the nation’s 65th Independence anniversary.

    The Firm said this year’s theme: “Nigeria at 65: All Hands on deck for a greater nation,” underscores the fact that project of nation-building rests on collective responsibility.

    A statement by the Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of IBEDC, Engr. Francis Agoha said it remained resolute in its commitment to national development through improved quality power supply, prompt response to customer complaints, and deliberate efforts to bridge the metering gap across its franchise. 

    According to him: “We recognise that a sustainable power sector is central to economic advancement, industrial growth, and improved quality of life.

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    “In alignment with the spirit of this theme, IBEDC enjoins its esteemed customers to partner with us in building a greater Nigeria by refraining from energy theft, vandalism of electricity infrastructure, and by paying their electricity bills regularly.”

    He urged customers to be safety conscious at all times by properly supervising their children to prevent electrical accidents, refrain from trading under high-tension wires and engaging only qualified electricians to fix electrical faults.

    He stated: “Our technical teams are fully mobilized and ready to promptly address any faults or service disruptions that may arise during the Independence Day holiday. 

    “Customers are also encouraged to make use of our convenient e-payment channels for uninterrupted service delivery.

    “As Nigeria celebrates this historic milestone, IBEDC urges all citizens to embrace unity, responsibility, and collective action in building the Nigeria of our dreams. Together, we can power a greater nation.”

  • Nigeria reaffirms commitment to investor-friendly reforms at Africa Energy Week

    Nigeria reaffirms commitment to investor-friendly reforms at Africa Energy Week

    Nigeria has reiterated commitment to creating a transparent, stable and investor-friendly petroleum sector.

    Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri, delivered a keynote address on behalf of President Bola Ahmed Tinubu at the Africa Energy Week in Cape Town, South Africa.

    The Minister declared that Nigeria is “open for business” and actively pursuing policies that prioritize investment, efficiency, and long-term growth in the oil sector.

    “This gathering is more than a conference, it is a call to action,” he said, stressing that Nigeria is ready not just to participate in the global energy market, but to lead reform and growth on the African continent.

    Lokpobiri, in a statement by Nneamaka Okafor Special Adviser on Media and Communication, outlined the bold policy measures implemented under President Tinubu’s administration, particularly the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA), which provides a clear and predictable fiscal and regulatory environment for investors.

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    The PIA has laid the foundation for licensing transparency, host community engagement, strengthened regulatory oversight, and a fair contractual framework.

    “What makes Nigeria now different is the legal, regulatory, financial, and structural transformation we are delivering,” the Minister said.

    Nigeria’s upstream sector is showing signs of strong recovery. The “Project One Million Barrels” initiative, launched in October 2024, has raised daily crude oil production to between 1.7 and 1.83 million barrels per day, with a notable increase of 300,000 barrels per day in July 2025 alone.

    Additionally, the number of active drilling rigs has grown from 31 in January to 50 by July 2025, a clear signal that reforms are unlocking value across the sector.

    Of particular note were the recent asset divestments by International Oil Companies (IOCs), which the Minister said have unlocked over $5.5 billion in Final Investment Decisions (FIDs) within months.

    “These are not just transfers of assets, they are transfers of confidence, capability, and ownership,” he stated. The divestments have already added approximately 200,000 barrels per day to national production.

    On the broader African context, Lokpobiri urged the continent to retain more value from its hydrocarbon resources by focusing on infrastructure, industrial development, and localized value chains. He noted that Africa spends over $120 billion annually on hydrocarbons, largely through imports, calling it a missed opportunity for economic transformation.

    He advocated for stronger intra-African collaboration and financing, emphasizing that Africa holds nearly $4 trillion in domestic capital, including pension and insurance funds. “The question is no longer about the availability of funds, but how we can channel them into productive investments on our continent,” he said.

    Addressing the topic of the global energy conversation, the Minister called for balance and equity.

    He insisted that the narrative must shift toward a diverse energy mix, not abandonment of any resource.

    “The focus should be on availability, accessibility, and affordability of all forms of energy,” he stressed. He made it clear that Nigeria, like other nations, will continue to utilize its oil resources responsibly while building a diversified and sustainable energy base.

    Lokpobiri reaffirmed Nigeria’s role as a leading energy player in Africa. “We are offering opportunities at scale, reform with consistency, incentives with clarity, local participation with respect, and a vision that modernizes with purpose,” he declared.

    To global investors, he extended a direct invitation: “Come to Nigeria. Be part of the energy revolution.” With strong reforms, ambitious targets, and an open-door policy, Nigeria is charting a bold path forward in Africa’s energy future.

  • Tinubu to commission $400m onshore crude oil export terminal in Rivers

    Tinubu to commission $400m onshore crude oil export terminal in Rivers

    All is set for the official commissioning of the Otakikpo Onshore Crude Oli Export Terminal in Rivers State, Nigeria by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu on October 8, 2025.

    The facility established by Green Energy International Limited (GEIL) operator of the Otakikpo field PML 11 with operational base in Ikuru town, Andoni local government of Rivers state, is the first Indigenous Onshore Terminal to be built in Nigeria by a wholly indigenous company and the only one to built in the country in the last 50 years.

    The last one before Otakikpo Terminal-Forcados Terminal was commissioned in 1971

    A statement by the firm said Governor, Simnalayi Fubara, top government functionaries at the federal level as well as key stakeholders in the oil and gas industry to be led by the Hon Minister of State Petroleum (Oil) Senator Heineken Lokpobiri will attend the inauguration.

    The statement by the Executive Director of Legal and Corporate Services , Mr Olusegun Ilori, explained the completion of the terminal is a strategic initiative that aligns with the determination of the President Bola Tinubu’s administration to boost oil production in the country.

    READ ALSO: Renewing fight against out-of-school children, poor girl-child education

    Operators in the oil and gas sector have identified evacuation challenges as a major barrier to achieving the Federal Government’s goal of producing three million barrels of crude oil per day.

    The Otakikpo terminal is expected to provide a lifeline to over 40 stranded oil fields who now has a ready evacuation outlet thus unlocking million of barrels of oil otherwise held down in the wells.

    The $400m new terminal with an initial storage capacity of 750,000 barrels expandable to three million barrels and a loading capacity of 360,000 barrels per day is also expected to support the government’s objective of lowering production cost in the industry.

    Chairman /CEO of Green Energy, and Chief Host of the commissioning event Professor Anthony Adegbulugbe noted : “What we have achieved here is not just a storage solution, but a game-changing national infrastructure that has opened a new pathway for about 40 stranded oil fields to finally contribute to the economy,”

  • Bayo Ojulari Reforming Nigeria Energy Future

    Bayo Ojulari Reforming Nigeria Energy Future

    When Bayo Ojulari assumed leadership of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited in April 2025, he inherited more than a corporation. He stepped into a storm defined by falling oil production, chronic revenue leakages, dwindling investor confidence, and the mounting global pressures of energy transition and geopolitical competition. Six months later, the story of NNPC and Nigeria’s energy sector has begun to change.

    Ojulari’s leadership has been marked by an insistence on transparency, fiscal discipline, and operational accountability. Unlike previous reform attempts that often remained trapped in rhetoric, his approach has been anchored on execution and measurable outcomes. This shift fits squarely within President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, which prioritizes energy independence, foreign investment, domestic refining, and Nigeria’s long-term net-zero ambitions. Reform, in Ojulari’s hands, is no longer an aspiration, it is a working reality.

    Daily oil production rebounded from 1.485 million barrels in April to 1.71 million in July, crossing the 1.8 million barrel mark for the first time since late 2024. In the same period, NNPC generated ₦20.9 trillion while halting costly refinery losses that had drained up to ₦500 million monthly. Operational efficiency has improved, with 100 percent pipeline availability, natural gas production climbing to 7.72 billion cubic feet per day, and major projects like the AKK and OB3 pipelines now nearing completion. Security reforms have also delivered dramatic results, with coordinated efforts nearly eliminating pipeline theft. Perhaps most notably, Ojulari introduced monthly financial reporting for the first time, signaling unprecedented transparency to investors, regulators, and the Nigerian public.

    READ ALSO: Nigeria @ 65: Wike hails Tinubu’s progress, urges Nigerians to embrace peace, unity

    These gains are not just domestic achievements. By surpassing Angola and Libya in production, Nigeria has reclaimed its position as Africa’s largest oil producer, restoring both its credibility and its leverage in OPEC+ negotiations. In a volatile global energy market where reliability is everything, Nigeria is once again being seen as a dependable player, a factor that has begun to restore investor confidence and strengthen its geopolitical standing.

    Yet Ojulari’s strategy is not confined to oil alone. He has placed sustainability and transition at the heart of NNPC’s future. Gas is being positioned as a critical bridge fuel, powering local industries, reducing emissions, and boosting LNG exports. At the same time, the company is advancing renewable energy pilots, reducing gas flaring, and exploring carbon-capture initiatives; all of which signal a shift toward greener operations. These efforts align NNPC with global environmental, social, and governance standards, positioning it to meet the expectations of modern investors.

    Technology is another pillar of the transformation. Under Ojulari, the company has deployed AI-driven analytics to optimize production and minimize downtime, blockchain platforms to

    ensure revenue and supply chain traceability, and automation to enhance safety and efficiency. These moves bring NNPC closer to the practices of global energy giants like Saudi Aramco, ADNOC, and Petrobras, underscoring its ambition to compete at the highest levels.

    The reforms are also resonating beyond corporate boardrooms. Inside NNPC, employees are experiencing a new merit-driven culture that rewards performance. Across the wider economy, Nigerian small and medium enterprises are finding expanded opportunities in the energy supply chain. In host communities, improved security and reduced oil theft are strengthening peace and trust. And nationally, stronger revenues are bolstering the budget and foreign reserves at a time when fiscal stability is sorely needed.

    Ojulari is quick to acknowledge that the journey has only just begun. Scaling production to two million barrels per day by 2027 will require unwavering discipline, relentless efficiency, and an estimated $60 billion in new investment. Completing critical gas infrastructure remains central to unlocking regional integration and expanding Nigeria’s role in global gas markets. The competition will not stand still either, as Angola and Libya push to reclaim lost ground. But Ojulari’s vision is clear: NNPC must set a new benchmark for African energy companies and emerge as a global player of repute.

    The first six months of his leadership have already marked a decisive break from the past. Production recovery, record revenues, operational discipline, and world-class transparency demonstrate that Nigeria’s energy sector is capable of reform and resilience when leadership is committed to delivery. The challenge now is to institutionalize these gains and ensure that momentum is not lost. For Nigeria, the choice is stark: to entrench excellence as the new standard, or risk sliding back into inefficiency and missed opportunity.

    The opportunity is global. Above all, the momentum must not be lost. Happy Independence Day Nigeria!

    Abiodun A Oleolo. Business Analyst London, United Kingdom

  • Group alleges plot by external forces to frustrate Dangote Refinery

    Group alleges plot by external forces to frustrate Dangote Refinery

    Stand-Up South South Security Group has called on Federal Government and patriotic Nigerians to resist the perceived plots by external forces to pull down Dangote Refinery, located in Lagos State, Nigeria.

    In a statement on Wednesday by its National Secretary, Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, the group said: “ As a Country and Nigerians, we should be very proud that Dangote Refinery is the WORLD’s largest single train Petroleum Refinery’

    It stated: “This is why the Federal Government, our fellow country men in  NUPENG and PENGASSAN must put into consideration the broader benefits of the Dangote Refinery to the country and Nigerians.

    “Nigeria got Independence from the British government 65 years ago, but unfortunately, Nigerians are still slaves to petroleum products importers and crude oil exporters. This country, Nigeria needs liberty and absolute independence from the slaves masters”

    According to the group: “ These petroleum products importers and crude oil exporters will do everything possible to pull down the Dangote Refinery, and Nigerians, including the leadership of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria PENGASSAN, and National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers NUPENG  must avoid the temptation of becoming an instruments to achieve this anti-Nigeria agenda”

    Read Also: Nigeria@65: Tinubu disburses N99.5bn in student loans

    “This is very important, the leadership of PENGASSAN should also understand that workers of Dangote Refinery still enjoys  the constitutional rights to join the union or not, in tandem to “ Freedom of Association. More so,  Dangote Refinery workers are expected to comply with the terms and conditions of their employments.”

    The statement continued: “ In this country, we all are aware that Lecturers of private Universities are not member of ASUU, and they have not been compelled to become members of ASUU. So, it is imperative to advise PENGASSAN to accept and respect the decision of Dangote Refinery that it’s workers will not join or become members of PENGASSAN.

    “Ironically, Nigerians appears to have lost confidence on when the moribund Refineries belonging to the Federal Government will ever come up and start production. A bird at hand, is worth more than millions of birds in the bush. Therefore, as a nation, we must ensure it’s survival and protect the Dangote Refinery.”

    The group thanked the National Security Adviser and leadership of other security agencies for their intervention in resolving the industrial dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN.

    “Regrettably, it is becoming obvious that those behind the deliberate killing of Nigeria Refineries are plotting to pull down Dangote Refinery for whatever reason. The suffering masses were already battling with impact of inflation, high cost of living. Any move to frustrate Dangote Refinery will mean to further punish Nigerians.

    “With over 3,000 Nigerians  employed and actively working at the Dangote Refinery, the Federal Government led by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Nigerian of good conscience must prevent the pulling down of Dangote Refinery.

    “Nigeria lost a golden opportunity in 2007, when Dangote-led consortium was denied the acquisition of PH and Kaduna Refineries at  $750 million. If Dangote was allowed to acquire and run the PH and Kaduna Refineries since 2007 till date,  Nigeria would have achieved energy independence nearly two decades ago”

    The statement concluded,: “ Now that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has built his private Dangote Refinery from the scratch to completion, PENGASSAN and NUPENG must take their fight to the Federal Government to revive the moribund Warri, PH and Kaduna  Refineries.”

  • Consumer forum urges FG, DSS to investigate PENGASSAN alleged plot to shut down Dangote Refinery

    Consumer forum urges FG, DSS to investigate PENGASSAN alleged plot to shut down Dangote Refinery

    The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum has called on the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate what it describes as desperate attempts by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a critical national asset aimed at achieving Nigeria’s energy independence.

    In a statement by Comrade Olabisi Taiwo, President, and Dr. Justice Akani Alikor, Secretary, the Forum expressed alarm over PENGASSAN’s threats to picket the $20 billion refinery over alleged mass sackings.

    The group accused the union of risking Nigeria’s return to fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, urging Nigerians to question PENGASSAN’s motives.

    “PENGASSAN, alongside NUPENG, played a significant role in the collapse of Nigeria’s public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna,” the Forum stated.

    “They resisted reforms, blocked privatization, and crippled fuel supply with strikes. Their actions contributed to the rot that turned these refineries into relics of corruption and mismanagement.”

    The Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is a private initiative designed to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, stabilize prices, and create jobs.

    Read Also: Price hike, scarcity fears heighten over PENGASSAN, Dangote face-off

    The Forum emphasised that the refinery, which employs over 3,000 Nigerians and continues to recruit, is not anti-labor but focused on operational efficiency and safety.

    The company’s recent reorganisation, according to Dangote, was prompted by acts of sabotage that threatened operations.

    The Forum criticised PENGASSAN’s threat to picket the refinery despite a court order restraining industrial action, calling it “union overreach” and a violation of the rule of law.

    It also condemned the union’s inflammatory rhetoric, citing a metaphorical statement about a “witch crying in the night” as reckless and divisive.

    “Who benefits if the refinery fails?” the Forum asked. “Certainly not the Nigerian people, but fuel importers and rent seekers who profit from chaos.”

    The group urged PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue, respect the courts, and prioritize national interests over what it called “irresponsible unionism.”

    The Forum called on the Ministries of Labour, Petroleum Resources, and Justice to intervene and protect the refinery from disruption.

    “The government must send a clear message: industrial blackmail will not be tolerated,” the statement read.

    “Nigerians have suffered enough from fuel queues and economic hardship. The Dangote Refinery is our best chance at energy independence, and we must not allow vested interests to destroy it.”

    The Forum concluded by reaffirming its support for progress, stability, and the rule of law, urging all Nigerians to protect the refinery as a symbol of hope and a break from the nation’s troubled energy past.

  • Dangote Refinery accuses PENGASSAN of economic sabotage

    Dangote Refinery accuses PENGASSAN of economic sabotage

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of attempting to sabotage the country’s energy supply chain following a directive by the union to its branches to cut off crude oil and gas supplies to the refinery.

    In a statement on Saturday, the company described the directive as “a brazen display of lawlessness and criminality,” warning that the move could plunge Nigeria back into widespread fuel scarcity and disrupt the availability of key petroleum products, including petrol, aviation fuel, kerosene, diesel, and cooking gas.

    According to Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN on 26 September instructed its members in various multinational oil companies and subsidiaries including TotalEnergies, Seplat, Renaissance, Chevron, Oando, Shell Nigeria Gas, and NGIC to halt crude oil loading operations and cut off gas supply to the facility “with immediate effect.”

    The refinery stressed that the union has no legal authority to interfere with contracts signed between the refinery and its suppliers, insisting that such interference amounts to “economic sabotage” against both the company and the Nigerian state.

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    “This is a brazen, albeit shocking display of lawlessness and criminality by PENGASSAN. Absolutely no law gives PENGASSAN the right to direct its branches to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all. There is also no law in our statute books that would support or enable the PENGASSAN branches having to “cut off” gas and crude oil supplies to Dangote Refinery or at all,” the statement reads.

    “Besides, it constitutes a criminal conduct for PENGASSAN or its members to disrupt and/or interfere howsoever in the contract between Dangote Refinery and its various vendors for the supply of gas and crude oil to the Refinery. Those supply contracts were not entered into with PENGASSAN; they were entered into by Dangote Refinery with third party vendors and suppliers and PENGASSAN has no right whatsoever to disrupt and/or interfere with the performance of those contracts”.

    It noted that PENGASSAN needs to be reminded that Nigeria is governed by laws.

    “Our laws do not brook self-help and mob action that could introduce mayhem and chaos and easily translate into anarchy,” it added.

    Dangote Petroleum Refinery, world’s largest single-train refinery and one of Nigeria’s highest taxpayers, argued that the directive undermines investor confidence and threatens revenues accruing to federal and state governments. The company also described the refinery as a strategic national asset that should be safeguarded rather than targeted.

    “We are, by this write-up, drawing the attention of the Federal Government and its security and law enforcement agencies – as well as all other levels of governments in Nigeria – to this criminal, lawless, reckless and irresponsible conduct of PENGASSAN and calling on them – the Federal Government and its agencies, in particular – to call the Association to order. PENGASSAN has no right to introduce anarchy and mayhem into our society. The Association is not above the law, and it must not be allowed to believe that it is or behave as if it is,” it said

    The statement further criticised the union for what it called “a contradictory stance,” noting that while PENGASSAN had earlier pledged to pursue legal action against the refinery, it “abandoned the path of lawfulness and embraced mob action.”

    The refinery noted that apart from the lawlessness and criminality inherent in the PENGASSAN’s instruction to its branches, the Association’s directive amounts to economic sabotage at multiple levels.

    “In plain language, PENGASSAN has directed its branches to disrupt and stop the supply of petroleum products from the Dangote Refinery to Nigerians. The products that would be disrupted and stopped include but are not limited to aviation fuel, petrol, kerosene, diesel and cooking gas – all products that are used and required by all stripes of Nigerians and persons living in Nigeria, whether high and mighty or lowly and ordinary.

    “In what circumstance would it be justified for PENGASSAN to so disrupt and introduce insufferable hardship into the living conditions of Nigerians? None that we can see. The follow up question is, in whose interest and on whose behalf is PENGASSAN directing and intending to inflict such anarchic and criminal disruption upon the Nigerian society and persons living in Nigeria? Most certainly, not in the interest of the Nigerian State and/or the Nigerian public and citizens,” it added.

    It stressed that it is also economic sabotage against the Nigerian State at multiple levels as the Dangote Refinery is the only refinery of its type in Africa and ordinarily should be the pride of all Nigerians as well as the governments of Nigeria.

    “It should ordinarily have special protection and status and indeed qualifies as a strategic national asset. An irreparable injury to the Dangote Refinery such as PENGASSAN has directed constitutes a national embarrassment to all of us. The directive is a disincentive to external investors who ordinarily would have been encouraged by the success of Dangote Refinery to contemplate investing in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector or generally. PENGASSAN may also not be aware that Dangote Refinery is one of the largest contributors to the revenue purse of the Nigerian governments – both Federal and sub-nationals. That contribution is currently threatened by PENGASSAN and would of course be paused if and as soon as and for as long as the PENGASSAN directive is implemented by its branches,” it added.

    Calling on the federal government and security agencies to intervene, the company urged Nigerians to resist any attempt to disrupt refinery operations, warning that compliance with the directive would cause “irreparable hardship” for households and businesses nationwide.

    “We are also calling on all Nigerians to take note of the unquantifiable and irredeemable hardship which PENGASSAN wishes to inflict on all of us. There is no Nigerian household that does not use or need the petroleum products which PENGASSAN has now directed its branches, by fiat, to withdraw from the Nigerian market – again, we list some of them: petrol, cooking gas, diesel, kerosene and aviation fuel. The production and supply of these products by Dangote Refinery would cease if the PENGASSAN cabal is allowed or permitted to enforce its lawless and criminal “directive”. The Association must not be allowed to ride roughshod on Nigerians. The repercussions from the PENGASSAN directive would affect and inflict harm on all Nigerians This is therefore a fight for all Nigerians,” the statement added.

  • Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

    Group cautions against sabotage of Dangote Refinery

    A group,  known as Stand-Up South South Security Group, has warned those who may be  plotting to sabotage the Dangote Refinery.

    The group stated that an attack on Dangote Refinery is an attack to destroy nation. adding that people must reject the temptation to be used as tools to sabotage Dangote Refinery.

    In a statement on Saturday by its National Secretary, Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, it also advised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to stop attacking  Dangote Refinery over the sack of some workers.

    “ PENGASSAN must understand that an employee cannot educate his employer on how the  employer will run his company”

    “Our attention has been drawn to the press release issued on Friday 26th September, 2025, by the General Secretary of Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria PENGASSAN, against Dangote Refinery”

    “PENGASSAN in its press release , titled, “ Condemnation of Anti-Labour Practices by Dangote Refinery and Ultimatum to reinstate Nigerian Workers”, made unpleasant comments against Dangote Refinery”

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    According the group: “ Nigerians are still celebrating the building of Dangote Refinery in Lagos state, Nigeria. And this is why every right thinking and patriotic Nigerians must resist any sinister plot to frustrate the operations of Dangote Refinery”

    “ PENGASSAN must realise or accept the fact that Dangote Refinery is a private organization, and an investment worth over $20Billions. The Management of Dangote Refinery, have the power to hire and fire”

    It added:  “ Dangote Refinery has come to stay. The Management of Dangote Refinery are also at liberty to hire qualified persons from across the  world to work with the Refinery here in Nigeria. We also have Nigerians hired and working abroad”

    The group advised PENGASSAN to leave Dangote Refinery alone and channel their energy to the Federal Government to revive the govt owned Refineries, where workers are earning salary monthly without working.

    “It is expected that after investing over $20Billion to build the Dangote Refinery, Alhaji Aliko Dangote will restructure the workforce of the company to ensure optimum performance and efficient delivery”

    “And whenever restructuring of workforce occurs in an organization as big as Dangote Refinery, some workers will be sacked, some retained and new persons will be employed to form a new team to achieve the company’s vision, set aims and objectives”

    “Dangote Refinery has done the expected for business sustainability. The company’s decision should be respected, particularly by PENGASSAN. Certainly, it is not the end of life for the workers dropped by Dangote Refinery, they can still search for jobs somewhere else”

    Further, the group stated: “ PENGASSAN should not use this to fight unnecessary fight with Dangote Refinery, more Nigerians are still working and benefiting from the Dangote Refinery. 

    “We advise PENGASSAN to thread with caution, and withdraw it’s attack on Dangote Refinery because of the workers sacked. More Nigerians would still be employed into the company.”

  • Electricity workers suspend strike

    Electricity workers suspend strike

    Electricity workers under the umbrella of the National Union of Electricity Employees (NUEE) and Senior Staff Association of Electricity and Allied Companies (SSAEAC) have suspended the industrial action that commenced on Thursday.

    The suspension was announced in the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) the union signed with the Minister of Power, Chief Adebayo Adelabu; Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN) and the Nigerian Independent System Operator (NISO) in Abuja.

    The MOU said: “Based on the above, the Union agreed to suspend their action to allow these resolutions to be activated.”

    It recalled that following the ultimatum issued by the in-house unions (NUEE & SSAEAC) to TCN Management on various labour issues which elapsed on Monday 23 September 2025, the Minister of Power, represented by the Director Distribution Services and Director Planning, Research and Statistics of the Federal Ministry of Power took steps to apprehend the picketing exercise embarked on by the Unions.

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    The MOU said after extensive discussions, the following agreements were reached: the Unions honour the Minister’s request to look at the committee’s report by 6/7 October 2025 for consideration of the implementation from the month of October 2025;

    It also said  the two organisations (TCN & NISO) shall meet to evaluate the financial implication of the report and prepare an implementation plan to be discussed with the honourable minister and the unions;

    The MOU added that the two in house unions will reconvene in another meeting with the management of TCN and NISO to resolve other issues accordingly:

    The MOU urged  NERC to expedite actions on the review of the tariffs of TCN and NISO to enable implementation of the report. 

    According to the MOU, no employee will be victimised on the account of participation in the industrial action.