Africa’s richest man and President of Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote, has condemned the strike call issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), describing it as “ill-timed and counterproductive” to the nation’s economic stability.
Speaking through a company statement on Monday, Dangote expressed concern that an industrial action in the oil and gas sector could worsen Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery, disrupt energy supply, and erode investor confidence.
>At a time when the government and private sector are working tirelessly to stabilize the economy, any strike in this critical sector will only deepen the hardships faced by ordinary Nigerians. Dialogue, not disruption, is the way forward,” he said.
Dangote, whose $20 billion refinery project is considered central to Nigeria’s energy security, urged PENGASSAN to embrace constructive engagement with government and industry stakeholders, stressing that industrial peace is essential for productivity and long-term reforms.
He further noted that while workers’ grievances are legitimate and deserve attention, shutting down operations in the oil and gas value chain could have dire ripple effects across transportation, manufacturing, and power generation.
The business magnate appealed to labour unions to act in the nation’s collective interest, assuring that his group remains committed to fair labour practices and collaboration with organized labour.
Meanwhile, government officials are said to be in talks with PENGASSAN leadership to avert the planned strike, which has already sparked anxiety among fuel marketers and consumers.
Analysts warn that any prolonged disruption in the petroleum sector could trigger fuel scarcity, hike inflation, and further strain household incomes.
