The decision by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to cut gas supply to the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has sparked widespread outrage, with many Nigerians accusing the union of sabotage and selfishness at the expense of millions hoping for cheaper fuel and a stable supply.
The controversy erupted following reports that Dangote Refinery allegedly laid off some Nigerian workers under the guise of reorganisation, just hours after a mass unionisation drive began within the company.
However, the refinery swiftly denied the allegations, stating that over 3,000 Nigerians remain actively employed at the facility.
In retaliation, PENGASSAN threatened to leverage its influence by cutting gas supply to the refinery, a move that could disrupt the steady fuel availability Nigerians have enjoyed since the refinery began production over a year ago.
Rather than winning public sympathy, PENGASSAN’s stance has been met with fierce criticism online.
Many Nigerians see the Dangote Refinery as a beacon of hope in an oil and gas sector long plagued by scarcity, inflated costs, and corruption.
Critics argue that unions like PENGASSAN and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have historically contributed little to the welfare of ordinary citizens while fiercely opposing reforms that might reduce their dominance in the sector.
On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags related to Dangote and PENGASSAN trended for hours, with Nigerians expressing anger through humour, sarcasm, and sharp commentary.
Oluwakayode (@Oluwakayode77) wrote:
“Every institution that has chosen to be barbaric and wicked will eventually be dealt with by progress and development. Nigerians are no longer your pawns.”
Solihull Abdulkareem (@SolihullAbdul) bluntly asked:
“PENGASSAN or whatever, do you want the market to remain a monopoly? You’ve been doing as you please for years. It’s time for change — accept it and move on.”
Okunwa U. U. Azikiwe (@OkunwaUUazikiwe) argued:
“Unionism will either die a natural death or continue as a tool to siphon resources from the people. Nigerians are tired of this sabotage, and we will resist it.”
Temidayo (@Temidayo) queried:
“What benefits has your union provided Nigerians? Instead of sabotaging, why not collaborate? If Dangote can make it work, you can invest and contribute too.”
LegalTech Sam Akanbi (@SamAkanbi) teased:
“Nigerians no longer want your Nigerian gift — we want the Greek gift. If you have a better offer, bring it forward. Until then, let the Greek gift go round.”
Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) challenged the union’s credibility:
“Nigerians will manage the so-called Greek gift. @pengassan, what have you given Nigerians in all your years of existence? Stop playing the victim.”
Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders directly:
“Does PENGASSAN ever remember Nigerians during hard times? They’ve failed us, just like the NLC. Unionism here is nothing but a cash-out scheme for executives. Enough with the crocodile tears.”
Some users shifted focus to practical concerns. Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) wrote:
“Thanks for the advice. Now, @DangoteGroup, please, how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry? Nigerians are ready for cheaper fuel.”
PENGASSAN maintains that Dangote is frustrating collective bargaining rights and discouraging workers from joining the union.
The refinery, however, insists that union membership is voluntary and that its operations aim to cut costs and improve fuel availability for Nigerians.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services (DSS), is reportedly monitoring the dispute and may step in to mediate.
For now, the sentiment online remains clear: Nigerians want fuel relief, genuine competition, and a functioning refinery. To many, PENGASSAN’s actions amount to nothing less than economic sabotage.
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