Nigerian consumers warn strike could trigger fresh fuel scarcity and economic chaos
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Union accused of blocking reforms and crippling Nigeria’s public refineries
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Calls mount for FG and DSS to stop “industrial blackmail”
The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum has accused the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) of plotting to sabotage the country’s push for energy independence through its threat to shut down the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
In a statement signed by Comrade Olabisi Taiwo, President, and Dr Justice Akani Alikor, Secretary, the Forum urged the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate the union’s actions.
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The group warned that picketing the refinery, despite a restraining court order, would expose Nigerians to another round of fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment.
“Who benefits if the refinery fails? Certainly not the Nigerian people but fuel importers and rent seekers who profit from chaos,” the Forum said.
The Forum accused PENGASSAN, alongside NUPENG, of playing a destructive role in the collapse of Nigeria’s public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna.
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“They resisted reforms, blocked privatisation, and crippled fuel supply with strikes. Their actions contributed to the rot that turned these refineries into relics of corruption and mismanagement,” the statement alleged.
The Forum described the Dangote Refinery as a critical private initiative designed to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, stabilise prices, and create jobs. It noted that the refinery employs over 3,000 Nigerians and is still expanding recruitment.
Condemning what it called “irresponsible unionism,” the group urged the ministries of Labour, Petroleum Resources, and Justice to act decisively.
“The government must send a clear message: industrial blackmail will not be tolerated. Nigerians have suffered enough from fuel queues and economic hardship. The Dangote Refinery is our best chance at energy independence, and we must not allow vested interests to destroy it,” the Forum warned.
