Lagos, Nigeria — The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has declared that its role not only exceeds that of the Presidency and the Dangote Group, but also the nation itself.
The remarks followed criticism from Vice-President Kashim Shettima over a strike triggered by the Dangote refinery’s dismissal of union members.
PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo said, “PENGASSAN is the engine that keeps Nigeria’s oil and gas sector running. Our duty to our members is more important than any corporate or political office — even the nation.”
He reaffirmed the union’s readiness to defend dismissed workers and to repeat the same approach if necessary.
A spokesman for the Presidency described the comments as “regrettable” and reiterated that while the government upholds workers’ rights, it prefers resolution through dialogue.
Labour watchers and independent analysts view the strong rhetoric as part of mounting tensions between powerful unions and major private sector entities in Nigeria.
