Labour unions in the oil and gas sector have asked the Federal Government to probe alleged plots against Dangote Refineries and Petrochemicals Company by unnamed international oil companies (IOCs).
In a joint statement by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the oil sector-based unions said they were concerned and shocked by the recent allegations by the company of a plot by some IOCs to frustrate its business efforts and continued existence.
The statement was jointly signed by the General Secretary of NUPENG, Olawale Afolabi, and his PENGASSAN counterpart, Lumumba Okugbawa.
NUPENGASSAN, as both unions are jointly known, said the plot resulted in Dangote’s resolve to source its crude elsewhere.
They observed that the refinery is not only a critical national asset, but also a beacon of hope for Nigeria’s energy security, economic growth, and employment opportunities.
“The economic benefits of a Local Refinery with such capacity as the Dangote’s to Nigeria can never be overstated. This is why for several decades now, NUPENG and PENGASSAN have campaigned vigorously that Nigeria should make it a prerequisite condition that Companies that want to benefit from JVC arrangements with Nigeria, to set up a Refinery/Petrochemical Company in Nigeria,” the unions stated.
NUPENGASSAN said Aliko Dangote should be supported by the government to tread the path that IOCs elected not to tread for decades that subjected Nigeria to IMTO hardship as it battled petrol scarcity for several decades.
The statement added: “The survival of companies that have braved it and invested hugely in refining crude in Nigeria thus saving our nation from wasteful product imports that profit other countries and cost us forex, should be of great interest to us as a nation because of the enormous economic benefits involved.”
The two unions demanded an immediate investigation into the allegations. The statement said: “The Federal Government should set up an independent panel to investigate the claims of sabotage by some International Oil Companies. This investigation should be comprehensive and transparent, ensuring that all parties involved are held accountable.”
They also said the findings of the investigation must be made public to ensure transparency and maintain public trust, adding that Nigerians deserve to know the truth about the actions of the International Oil Companies and their impact on Nigeria.
To serve as a deterrent, the two unions also said they expect the government to take decisive legal action against the entities involved.
It then urged the Federal Government to support the refinery for the betterment of the country.
“The government should provide all necessary support to ensure the uninterrupted commencement and operation of the Dangote Refinery. This includes ensuring security and stability around the Refinery’s operations,” the statement stated.
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