PENGASSAN has removed NGIC and NGML executives for non-compliance when instructed to fully halt gas flow to Dangote refinery during nationwide strike.
Nigeria’s powerful oil workers’ union, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), has dissolved two of its branch executive councils for failing to completely shut off gas supply to the Dangote refinery during last month’s nationwide strike.
The branches affected are the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company Ltd (NGIC) and NNPC Gas Marketing Limited (NGML), both subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
According to an internal report obtained, the union’s national leadership took the decision after accusing the branch leaders of “inability” to execute its directive to halt gas supply to the multi-billion-dollar Dangote facility.
PENGASSAN had launched a nationwide strike on September 28, demanding improved working conditions and alleging unfair treatment of members at several oil and gas firms. Part of its industrial action included an order to curtail gas production and supply to the Dangote refinery — Africa’s largest single-train refinery.
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In their response, members of the NGIC/NGML congress appealed to the union’s national leadership to reconsider the decision, describing the dissolution as unfair and damaging to their reputation. They also urged the national body to withdraw allegations that the executives colluded with management or received monetary inducements to keep supply flowing.
“These allegations are serious and could taint the integrity of our executives,” the congress said in the report. “If evidence of sabotage exists, we request fair hearing to clear their names or confirm any wrongdoing.”
The group explained that while efforts were made to shut down the refinery’s gas feed, only partial success was achieved. Some valves along the Oben-OB3 line were closed, but pressure levels failed to drop as expected, leaving supply to the refinery largely unaffected.
They maintained that the branch executives acted in good faith, taking unprecedented steps that even management acknowledged as disruptive. Military presence and continued gas injection from producers, they said, made a complete shutdown impossible.
The congress warned that punishing loyal members could weaken solidarity within the union and discourage others from participating in future collective actions.
PENGASSAN’s internal rift comes amid renewed tensions between labour unions and industry operators, following recent nationwide strikes that disrupted oil, gas, and power supply across Nigeria.
