Dangote Isn’t a Playground – Sule Mocks PENGASSAN Over Shutdown Threat

Dangote Isn’t a Playground — Sule Mocks PENGASSAN Over Shutdown Threat

 

 

Nasarawa State Governor, Abdullahi Sule, has taken a swipe at PENGASSAN over threats to shut down the Dangote Refinery, warning that such actions could make Nigeria a laughing stock on the global stage.

 

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Sule described the refinery as a “national asset” and urged both the union and refinery management to resolve their disputes through dialogue.

 

“The Dangote refinery is not for Dangote alone; it is for Nigeria. It has spared us from heavy import bills and eased the challenges of petroleum supply and maintenance,” the governor said.

 

He criticised the union for what he called a “communication gap,” insisting that the refinery’s operations must not be disrupted.

 

“We cannot afford a situation where such an institution is run down. The world will laugh at us. PENGASSAN must sit down and discuss clearly with Dangote management,” Sule added.

 

Defending the refinery against claims of mass layoffs, Sule said the company’s decision was part of operational necessities. He warned that disruptions in gas supply would cripple refinery operations.

 

“Dangote did not just wake up to sack workers. Thousands of employees are required to keep the refinery running. It is not in Dangote’s interest to cause commotion,” he said.

 

Background

On September 26, PENGASSAN announced that the refinery laid off over 800 workers, prompting a threat of a nationwide strike. Dangote later confirmed some dismissals but described them as a small number affected in a reorganisation exercise.

 

The refinery accused the union of attempting to sabotage Nigeria’s energy supply chain after PENGASSAN instructed its members to halt crude oil and gas supplies. The national industrial court in Abuja subsequently issued an interim order restraining the union from proceeding with the strike.

 

Governor Sule called on all parties  PENGASSAN, Dangote management, and the federal government  to ensure the matter is resolved amicably, noting that the refinery is already exporting petroleum products abroad and is vital to Nigeria’s economy.