Lagos, Nigeria – October 6, 2025: The management of Dangote Refinery has extended heartfelt appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and senior government officials for their swift and decisive intervention that brought an end to what it described as “disruptive actions” by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against its operations.
In a statement titled “PENGASSAN Strike – Dangote Refinery’s Note of Appreciation” dated October 6, 2025, the company expressed gratitude to the President, his Ministers, and top security chiefs whose involvement “resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN against the Refinery.”
According to the statement, President Tinubu’s leadership was instrumental in restoring calm and ensuring continuity in operations at the refinery, described as one of Nigeria’s most strategic assets in its energy and industrial landscape.
Commendation for Key Government Officials
Dangote Refinery specifically commended the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), Mr. Adeola Toyin Ajayi; and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), Mr. Mohammed Mohammed, for their proactive roles in addressing the industrial tension.
The company also applauded the tireless efforts of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Dingyadi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Mr. Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Hon. Neiruka Onyejeocha, noting that they “worked untiringly and determinedly into the wee hours of several nights to avert the declared disruption of Nigeria’s energy sector by anarchists and agents of darkness.”
The refinery management emphasized that their coordinated efforts demonstrated genuine patriotism and a shared commitment to national stability, especially in an era when the nation’s energy sector plays a pivotal role in economic growth and employment creation.
Appreciation to the Nigerian Public
In its message to the Nigerian public, Dangote Refinery expressed deep appreciation for the massive outpouring of support it received throughout the industrial dispute.
“Your support for our righteous cause was both humbling and overwhelming. We heard your supportive voices and words of encouragement literally in all the street corners and media channels of Nigeria,” the statement said.
The management noted that the solidarity and trust shown by Nigerians reaffirmed the company’s belief that its mission to drive industrial transformation and energy independence aligns with the hopes and aspirations of the people.
Commendation to Workers and Staff
The refinery also used the opportunity to commend its loyal workforce, describing them as “heroes of resilience and dedication” for ensuring that operations continued seamlessly despite external pressures.
“To our loyal workers, who ensured that our operations were not disrupted even for a second, we thank and appreciate you. You proved your allegiance to our cause these several days even in the face of provocative and inciting comments and directives from detractors and naysayers who do not wish us and indeed Nigeria well,” the statement read.
Management said the loyalty of its employees had once again demonstrated that Dangote Refinery is not just a workplace but a community of Nigerians united by a common goal of building a stronger, self-reliant economy.
Commitment to Fair Labour Practices
Reaffirming its dedication to the welfare of workers, Dangote Refinery described itself as “one of Nigeria’s model employers of labour and the largest private sector employer in the country, as well as the largest contributor to Nigeria’s tax revenues.”
The company explained that its compensation and welfare framework is benchmarked against international standards, ensuring that employee well-being remains a core aspect of its operational philosophy.
“Our compensation framework is designed not only to reward performance but also to protect employee welfare,” it stated, stressing that it remains committed to fairness, dialogue, and mutual respect in all labour relations.
The refinery added that while it respects the right of employees to unionize and express concerns, such actions must align with the rule of law and the national interest.
Praise for the Judiciary
Dangote Refinery also acknowledged the Nigerian judiciary for standing firm in defence of justice and rule of law during the conflict.
“The judiciary stood up for the truth and proved themselves as the bastion of hope for all of us,” the statement noted.
It, however, condemned individuals and groups who “refused to accept service of valid court orders that sought to restrain their destructive actions,” describing such defiance as a threat to lawful industrial engagement and national stability.
A Renewed Pledge to Nigerians
Concluding the statement, the management reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to Nigeria’s growth, prosperity, and industrial transformation.
“Our commitment to the Nigerian nation and our pact with its people remain undiluted, undiminished, and unalterable notwithstanding the distractions from our detractors and the saboteurs in our midst,” it assured.
The refinery pledged to continue working closely with the federal government, regulatory bodies, and other stakeholders to ensure that its operations contribute meaningfully to job creation, energy security, and economic growth.
“We remain steadfast in our vision of transforming Nigeria into a global hub for refined petroleum products and industrial development,” the statement added.
Background: PENGASSAN Dispute
The appreciation statement follows the resolution of a three-day industrial action declared by PENGASSAN, which had threatened to disrupt operations at the multi-billion-dollar Dangote Refinery.
The strike, which the company described as “ill-conceived and destabilizing,” was suspended after the federal government brokered a truce between the union and refinery management.
Earlier reports revealed that PENGASSAN had accused Dangote Refinery of unfair labour practices, an allegation the company vehemently denied, describing it as “a campaign of lies and terror tactics.”
Following the government’s intervention, both parties agreed to return to the negotiating table under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train petroleum refinery, remains a critical pillar in Nigeria’s economic diversification and industrialization agenda. With its operations stabilizing, industry observers say the company’s resilience amid recent challenges is a reflection of its long-term vision for Nigeria’s self-sufficiency in refined petroleum products.
By Africa Live News Staff Writer
