Nigeria TV Info 

PENGASSAN–Dangote Rift Widens Over Salary Suspension

The rift between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery has deepened following the company’s decision to suspend salaries of some technical and administrative staff. The union on Monday condemned the move, describing it as “anti-labour, provocative, and a breach of industrial standards.”

According to PENGASSAN, over 300 workers were allegedly affected by what the refinery termed a “temporary wage suspension” arising from an internal restructuring process. But the union insists that the company failed to follow due process, including prior consultation, stakeholder briefing, and adherence to labour regulations.

Sources within the refinery say the management attributed the salary freeze to “operational realignments,” insisting that the company was working to stabilise operations and address internal inefficiencies. However, union officials argue that the suspension is unjustifiable, particularly at a time when workers are dealing with rising living costs.

PENGASSAN has threatened nationwide protests and the possibility of shutting down operations involving its members if the decision is not reversed. Meetings scheduled with the Ministry of Labour and Employment are expected to determine the next steps.

Meanwhile, industry observers warn that a prolonged standoff could disrupt the refinery’s progress toward full operational capacity, potentially affecting fuel supply stability across the country.