Senator Adams Oshiomhole has criticised the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over its handling of the recent clash with Dangote Refinery, warning that the union’s tactics risked crippling Nigeria’s economy.
Speaking on Arise TV on Friday, the former Labour leader said while PENGASSAN was right to defend sacked workers, it went overboard by shutting down critical oil sector operations.
“In protecting one group of workers, you must not endanger the jobs of many others,” Oshiomhole said. “Disputes should be fought without hurting tomato sellers who can’t move their goods because fuel is scarce.”
PENGASSAN had ordered members to cut crude gas supply to the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery after 800 workers were dismissed over union membership. The strike, which rattled the sector, was called off after federal government intervention and a truce between the two sides.
