by Willy Okonji Lagos-
The war of words between Africa’s biggest refinery and Nigeria’s oil workers has gone nuclear.
Dangote Refinery on Sunday branded the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) as “terrorists,” after the union ordered members nationwide to choke off crude and gas supply to the $20 billion plant.
In a blistering statement, the refinery accused PENGASSAN of holding the nation to ransom.
> “The oligarchs in PENGASSAN have proved themselves to be terrorists and have turned the Association into a bully organisation. It is time they be called to order,” the refinery thundered.
PENGASSAN’s strike call comes after the mass sacking of over 800 workers, which the union says were punished simply for joining its ranks.
But Dangote Refinery hit back, insisting the walkout will strangle the economy and leave ordinary Nigerians scrambling for fuel.
> “Over time, the Association has consistently proved itself as serving interests other than those of Nigerians and Nigerian workers,” the company said, warning that kerosene, petrol, diesel, cooking gas and aviation fuel supplies could grind to a halt.
The union, however, is not backing down. It accuses Dangote Refinery of “sabotaging the economy” and vowed the fight has only just begun.
