Leading figures across business, civil society, religion, and academia released a Joint Statement on the Dangote Refinery Dispute on October 6, urging sustained dialogue and laying out key principles as the refinery continues to navigate labour, regulatory, and market tensions.
Their message comes at a testing time for the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery.
The facility has recently clashed with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over mass dismissals, faced challenges with the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited over off-take and crude supply, and battled with the fuel distributors' association, PETROAN, over its direct fuel sale strategy.
The joint statement, issued on Tuesday, frames these disputes not merely as labour quarrels but as inflection points in Nigeria’s broader energy trajectory.
It was signed by:
Atedo Peterside (CON);
Khalifa Muhammad Sanusi II, Sarkin Kano;
Bishop Matthew Hassan Kukah (CON);
Osita Chidoka;
Opeyemi Adamolekun;
Ibrahim Dahiru Waziri;
Abubakar Siddique Mohammed;
Obonganwan Barbara Etim James;
Senator Sola Akinyede;
Dudu Mamman Manuga;
Dr. Salamatu Hussaini Suleiman;
Arunma Oteh;
And Aisha Yesufu.
Key Points from the Joint Statement and Disputes
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Labour rights vs industrial stability: The signatories emphasised that workers' rights must be respected, citing constitutional guarantees of unionisation and the importance of fair treatment. At the same time, they warned that industrial action, if mishandled, could dissuade both domestic and foreign investors at a time when Nigeria needs capital and innovation.
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Direct sales & market structure: The statement noted that “markets and productivity must be protected” and that concerns about monopoly or dominance should not be resolved by strikes. It further argued that production and pricing claims should be addressed through statutory bodies like the FCCPC, rather than actions that disrupt supply.
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Economic stakes and symbolism: The authors described the Dangote Refinery as more than a private project — a national symbol of what local industrial investment can achieve. They point to reported local price reductions from about ₦1,500 to ₦820 per litre in some areas, "a 55% drop" as early evidence of its potential impact.
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Institutional recourse over confrontation: The group called for resolution through existing institutions — labour courts, competition authorities, regulatory bodies — rather than sweeping industrial disruptions.
Underlying Tensions and Confirmed Developments
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On September 27, PENGASSAN ordered a halt to crude and gas supply to Dangote Petroleum, accusing the refinery of sacking over 800 unionised Nigerian workers and planning to replace them with foreign nationals.
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The refinery had earlier suspended fuel sales in naira, citing a mismatch with its dollar-denominated crude procurement.
The joint statement is an appeal for balance: protecting labour rights while ensuring the refinery’s stability and Nigeria’s broader industrial momentum.
