Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed appreciation to President Bola Tinubu for his prompt intervention, which prevented what it described as “disruptive actions” by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the company.
According to a statement on Sunday, the refinery praised the President’s decisive leadership and the efforts of key ministers and senior government officials in restoring stability to the energy sector during a critical period.
PENGASSAN had, last week, shut down vital oil and gas facilities over claims that Dangote Refinery dismissed 800 workers for joining the union. The industrial dispute was resolved after the Federal Government’s intervention, leading the union to suspend its strike on Wednesday.
“Dangote Refinery is grateful to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his timely intervention through his ministers and senior officials, which led to the resolution of PENGASSAN’s disruptive actions against the refinery,” the statement said.
According to the company, several top government figures played significant roles in restoring calm. These include the National Security Adviser, Nuhu Ribadu; the Director-General of the Department of State Services, Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, Mohammed Mohammed.
Others commended were the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi; the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Abubakar Bagudu; and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
The company described their efforts as “patriotic and tireless,” saying they worked “into the wee hours of several nights” to prevent a nationwide energy disruption.
Dangote Refinery also extended gratitude to Nigerians for their widespread support during the crisis.
“To Nigerians from all walks of life, we owe immense gratitude. Your support and words of encouragement across the country strengthened our resolve,” the statement added.
The company accused unnamed individuals of undermining national progress, vowing to continue protecting Nigeria’s economic interests.
“We will keep working for the Nigerian people and defending the nation’s interests against rent seekers and economic saboteurs,” it said.
Dangote further applauded its employees for their dedication during the industrial dispute, noting that they remained steadfast despite “provocative comments from detractors.”
“To our loyal workers who ensured uninterrupted operations, we appreciate your unwavering commitment. The strength of the Dangote Group lies in its people,” the company said.
Reaffirming its role as a major private employer, Dangote described the group as “a model of fair employment and a key contributor to Nigeria’s economy.”
The statement also praised the Nigerian judiciary for upholding justice amid the crisis, despite what it described as attempts by union leaders to defy court orders.
“The judiciary proved itself as the bastion of hope for society. Their courage in the face of intimidation deserves commendation,” it said.
Concluding, Dangote reaffirmed its commitment to national service, pledging to maintain continuous production and contribute to Nigeria’s industrial and economic growth.
“Our commitment to Nigeria remains steadfast, regardless of distractions from detractors and saboteurs,” the statement concluded.
The recent crisis followed union allegations of mass dismissal of workers at the refinery, which led to fuel supply disruptions nationwide before government mediation restored calm.
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