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Threatens to join action
By Adanna Nnamani, Abuja
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has expressed its unwavering support for the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers who are currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement issued by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, on Monday, the union accused the Dangote Refinery management of resisting potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG from joining the association since its inception.
PENGASSAN vowed to join in shutting down the refinery’s operations if the ongoing situation is not addressed.
“All diplomatic efforts to persuade the company’s management have so far not yielded the desired result. It is with deep concern that PENGASSAN observes the increasing resistance to unionisation at the Dangote Refinery, as the continued denial of workers’ rights will no longer be tolerated going forward.
“We stand firmly in support of NUPENG’s call for the full unionisation of not just petroleum tanker drivers but all employees of the refinery and its allied companies. This is in accordance with the principles set forth by the International Labour Organisation (ILO) and in line with Nigerian labour laws. The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace.
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“Should the ongoing situation persist without a resolution, PENGASSAN will be left with no option but to join in shutting down the refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests.
“We therefore urge all stakeholders to engage in immediate and constructive dialogue to address these pressing issues. Failure to recognise and respect the rights of workers to unionise will have consequences that extend beyond Dangote’s refinery workplace, thereby impacting all facets of our industry.
“In unity, we advocate for the rights of all workers and pledge our support to NUPENG in this vital mission. Together, we will work towards an equitable and just labour environment for all employees at Dangote Refinery,” the statement read.
NUPENG had last week announced plans to begin an industrial action from Monday, September 8, over the Dangote Refinery’s move to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas-powered trucks for direct distribution of fuel to retailers.
Although the Federal Government intervened to avert the strike, the union’s president, Williams Akporeha, said the action would proceed pending the outcome of a meeting with government officials on Monday, September 8.
