Abati Accuses PENGASSAN President of Avoiding Dangote Refinery Questions

Veteran journalist and former presidential aide, Dr. Reuben Abati, has lambasted Festus Osifo, President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), over his handling of the dispute with Dangote Refinery.

Speaking on Arise Television’s Morning Show on Tuesday, Abati accused Osifo of dodging accountability, saying the labour leader “chickened out” by failing to appear on the programme to respond to pressing questions about the conflict.

Abati referred to Vice President Kashim Shettima’s remarks at the 31st Nigeria Economic Summit Group (NESG) meeting, where Shettima praised Aliko Dangote as a patriot and described the Dangote Refinery as a major job creator and national asset.

He also cited comments by Bayo Ojulari, CEO of NNPC Limited, who alleged that PENGASSAN’s actions under Osifo’s leadership caused Nigeria to lose 600,000 barrels of crude oil.

Abati condemned some labour leaders for pursuing personal interests over workers’ welfare, describing the current leadership of unions as inconsistent and lacking integrity.

He urged Osifo to appear on the programme to clarify his position on the Dangote Refinery dispute.

“In my view, Vice President Shettima spoke on behalf of the President regarding revenue generation, taxation, and job creation. Importantly, he highlighted Alhaji Aliko Dangote’s $20 billion refinery investment as an example of patriotism,” Abati said.

He added, “Labour unionism should not be about opportunism. Leaders must defend workers’ rights genuinely. Festus Osifo should make himself available to respond to these issues.”

The dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery has drawn national attention, highlighting the tension between industrial action and economic development in Nigeria.