Dangote Petroleum Refinery has strongly condemned the directive issued by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which ordered its members across several oil and gas branches to halt crude oil supply to the refinery. The management described the move as reckless, lawless, and an attempt to plunge Nigeria into chaos at a critical time when the nation’s energy stability depends heavily on uninterrupted Refining activities.
A Brazen Disruption to Energy Security
In a statement on Saturday, Dangote Refinery described PENGASSAN’s order as a shocking display of lawlessness and criminality. According to the Refinery, no statute grants PENGASSAN or its branches the authority to “cut off” crude oil or gas supply to its facilities. The company stressed that existing supply agreements were signed directly with vendors and third parties, not with PENGASSAN, making the union’s attempt to interfere both unlawful and economically destructive.
Industry experts note that halting crude supply to the 650,000 barrels-per-day Refinery could have far-reaching consequences for Nigeria’s energy security. Petrol, diesel, aviation fuel, kerosene, and cooking gas, all essential products for households, industries, and businesses would face severe shortages.
Economic Sabotage and National Risk
Dangote Refinery accused the union of engaging in outright economic sabotage, warning that such an order undermines not only the company but also Nigeria’s broader economic interests. The statement emphasised that the Refinery is Africa’s largest industrial facility and a critical contributor to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
The management described PENGASSAN’s directive as an “irreparable injury” to Nigeria’s strategic assets, cautioning that the union’s action could destabilise the economy, disrupt supply chains, and impose untold hardship on ordinary Nigerians. “This is not only an assault on Dangote Refinery,” the company stated, “but an attack on the Nigerian nation and its citizens.”
A Call to Government and Citizens
Dangote Refinery urged the Federal Government, security agencies, and the public to resist what it described as an attempt to drag Nigeria into anarchy. It noted that laws exist to protect citizens and businesses from self-help actions, stressing that PENGASSAN’s decision to abandon lawful processes for agitation was irresponsible.
The refinery also called on Nigerians to stand firm against what it termed a fight for the nation’s survival. “No Nigerian household can endure the kind of economic hardship PENGASSAN wishes to inflict by cutting off fuel products,” the statement warned.
Legal and Social Implications
The company pointed to PENGASSAN’s own Press Release of 26 September 2025, which had earlier called for legal action against Dangote Refinery. Dangote described the sudden shift to an “illicit and criminal directive” as proof of bad faith and inconsistency.
Management concluded by reaffirming its commitment to serving Nigerians, noting that it would take all necessary legal actions to protect its operations and the wider national economy from the consequences of PENGASSAN’s directive.