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Dangote Refinery brands TUC “zombie-like” for backing PENGASSAN
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Alleges unions’ real agenda is control of workers’ dues
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Calls on Nigerians, FG to resist “dark age of energy sabotage”
The Dangote Refinery has urged Nigerians to stand firm against the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over an industrial dispute it says is driven by greed and union dues, not workers’ welfare.
In a statement on Monday, the refinery condemned the TUC for declaring solidarity with PENGASSAN’s nationwide strike threat “without making any effort to verify the claims” against its management.
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“We are told that he who hears only from one side and passes judgment without hearing the other side is a fool. Unfortunately, the Trade Union Congress has placed itself in that position,” the statement read.
‘Unions chasing dues, not welfare’
The refinery accused PENGASSAN and TUC of being “twins from the same womb”, claiming their agitation centres on monthly check-off dues rather than genuine worker protection. It cited PENGASSAN president Festus Osifo, who allegedly demanded dues remittance barely a day after workers unionised.
READ ALSO: NLC Mobilises Nationwide Against Dangote Refinery Over Workers’ Rights
“The monthly check-off dues and other subscriptions and scams that feed their lifestyles are the primary concern of these oligarchs,” the refinery alleged. “One of them even admitted this on national television.”
It further accused the unions including NUPENG of lavish lifestyles funded by workers’ contributions, warning that their strike threats could plunge Nigeria into “utter darkness and anarchy”.
FG urged to resist pressure
Dangote Refinery described itself as a national asset requiring protection, insisting that labour leaders must not be allowed to “trample on the dignity and rights of 230 million Nigerians”. It also challenged the unions to publish their financial records.
The refinery’s remarks follow TUC’s directive to reinstate over 800 dismissed employees, a demand linked to its dispute with PENGASSAN over alleged mass sackings.
On September 26, PENGASSAN had ordered members to prepare for nationwide strike action.
