The National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Alhaji Shehu Gabam, on Sunday faulted the decision of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to embark on a nationwide strike, describing it as misguided and dangerous to Nigeria’s economy.
In a statement, Gabam said the union’s directive to shut down operations in the oil and gas sector—particularly its focus on the Dangote Refinery—amounted to sabotage that could plunge millions of Nigerians into hardship.
“The recent declaration by PENGASSAN to embark on a nationwide strike, effectively shutting down the oil and gas sector, is a reprehensible act of sabotage against the Nigerian people,” Gabam stated.
He warned that the phased shutdown, including suspension of supplies to the refinery, would trigger fuel shortages, price hikes, and instability nationwide.
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Urging Nigerians to resist what he termed “an attempt to hold the nation hostage,” Gabam rejected the union’s demands, insisting they appeared self-serving and contrary to national interest.
According to him, targeting the Dangote Refinery undermines progress made by the federal government in the oil and gas sector.
“The government must stand firm and reject any attempts to use industrial action as a means of extorting concessions or disrupting the economy”.
The SDP chairman expressed solidarity with the Federal Government, saying efforts to strengthen economic development should not be derailed by what he termed “selfish interests.”
According to him, “I stand with the Nigerian government in its efforts to promote economic growth and development,” Gabam affirmed. “I urge all Nigerians to remain vigilant and united in the face of this challenge, rejecting any attempts to destabilize the economy or undermine the nation’s progress.”
Gabam’s comments come amid growing concerns over the impact of the planned strike on energy supply, businesses, and households across the country.