Nigeria’s largest Refinery faces rising tensions as union actions threaten fuel supply and job security. Image credit: newsverge
(The Post News) -A major conflict between oil workers and the Dangote Refinery is heating up in Nigeria. The workers’ union has instructed its members to stop sending crude oil and gas to the refinery after hundreds of staff were let go.
The union, known as Pengassan, issued this directive to workers at top oil companies, demanding that supply to the refinery be halted immediately.
Impact on the Dangote Refinery and National Fuel Supply
The Dangote Refinery was built to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel and stabilize local prices. Therefore, any disruption at the facility has become a national concern.
The dispute began when the refinery let go of many Nigerian workers. The company explained that the decision was meant to address safety issues and improve operations. However, the union claims that more than 800 local workers were dismissed and replaced by foreign staff, mostly from India.
Meanwhile, Nigeria’s unemployment rate hovers around 4.2% as of early 2025. Job losses in key industries such as oil and gas make it increasingly difficult for affected workers to find new opportunities.
In addition, many Nigerian households rely on a single income earner. Consequently, losing a job at a major facility can impact entire families, causing financial stress and reducing access to basic needs.
This disagreement has placed additional pressure on the multibillion-dollar project. Adding to the tension, the company announced it would stop selling petrol in local currency from September 28, citing low crude supply and exchange rate challenges.
As a result, the union is pressing for a complete halt to deliveries and has requested updates from its members to track compliance. If the shutdown continues, it could lead to fuel shortages, worsening the situation for people across Nigeria.
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