The move by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to cut gas supply to the Dangote Refinery has ignited outrage across Nigeria, with many citizens accusing the union of sabotage and selfishness at the expense of ordinary Nigerians who are yearning for cheaper fuel and stability in supply.
Controversy broke out after reports circulated that Dangote Refinery had allegedly laid off Nigerian workers under the guise of “reorganization” just hours after mass unionisation efforts were initiated within the company. Dangote Refinery has since refuted the claim staying that over 3,000 Nigerian workers are actively employed at the Refinery.
In response, PENGASSAN threatened to wield its influence by cutting gas supply to the Refinery, which can potentially affect the uninterrupted supply of fuel enjoyed by Nigerians since the Dangote Refinery started production over a year ago.
But rather than win public sympathy, PENGASSAN has come under fire from Nigerians online, who see the refinery as a glimmer of hope in an industry long plagued by scarcity, inflated costs, and corruption.
Many netizens insisted that unions like PENGASSAN and NUPENG have historically contributed little to the welfare of the average citizen, yet are quick to resist reforms that reduce their hold on the sector.
On X (formerly Twitter), the hashtags around Dangote and PENGASSAN trended for hours, with Nigerians pouring out their frustrations through humour, sarcasm, and biting commentary.
Oluwakayode (@Oluwakayode77) wrote: “Every institution that has taken it upon itself to be barbaric and wicked will be dealt with by the progress and development of this nation. Nigerians are no longer your pawns.”
Solihull Abdulkareem (@SolihullAbdul) asked bluntly: “PENGASSAN or whatever, do you want the market to remain monopoly? You’ve been doing what you want for many years. It’s time for change, just accept it and move forward.”
Okunwa U. U. Azikiwe (@OkunwaUUazikiwe) argued: “Unionism either dies a natural death or continues to exist as a means 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 for Nigerians? Middlemen syndrome has been the room for corruption. Instead of sabotaging, why not collaborate? If Dangote can do it, you can buy shares 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, we’d abandon Dangote’s and take yours. But for now, let the Greek gift go round.”
Habdulakeem Bahdmus (@BahdmusHabdulakeem) mocked: “If Dangote is showering Nigerians with Greek gift, PENGASSAN can also set up a Roman gift now.”
Curtis Abbi (@CurtisAbbi) slammed the union’s credibility: “Nigerians will manage the Greek gift. @pengassan what gift have you given Nigerians in your entire years of existence? Stop playing the victim.”
Akin Adejola (@AkinAdejola) echoed the sentiment: “LOL. Nigerians don’t mind the gift. If you truly care, surprise us with the same ‘Greek gift.’ Otherwise, leave progress alone. We know the real enemies of development in the oil & gas sector.”
Adeola Akinwande (@adeolarewaju9) criticised union leaders: “Does PENGASSAN remember Nigerians at hard times? They have all failed Nigerians the same way the NLC has failed. Unionism in this country is just a cash-out for excos. They should stop the crocodile tears.”
Others steered the debate back to pragmatism. Femi Yekinni (@FemiYekinni) wrote: “We thank them for their advice. Now, @DangoteGroup, pls how do we schedule deliveries to Badagry? Nigerians are ready for cheaper fuel.”
It will be recalled that PENGASSAN accused Dangote of frustrating collective bargaining rights and discouraging staff from joining the union. Dangote, however, denies these claims, insisting that union membership remains voluntary and that its operations are designed to cut costs and ease supply pressures for Nigerians.
The federal government, through the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services (DSS), is reportedly monitoring the situation to mediate between both parties.
For now, the voice of Nigerians online remains clear; they want fuel relief, they want competition, and they want a refinery that works. To many, PENGASSAN’s decision is nothing short of sabotage.
