Dangote Refinery Applauds President Tinubu, Security Chiefs, and Ministers for Preventing Oil Workers’ Disruption

The management of Dangote Refinery has expressed deep appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu, key security agencies, and top government officials for their swift intervention in resolving the industrial dispute that threatened to disrupt operations at the refinery earlier in the week. The company praised the government’s proactive role in averting what could have been a major setback to Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and the country’s economic stability.

In a statement released in Lagos, the refinery’s Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin, commended President Tinubu for his leadership and commitment to maintaining industrial harmony within the nation’s critical sectors. He also acknowledged the support of the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; the Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; the Minister of State for Petroleum (Oil), Heineken Lokpobiri; and the Inspector General of Police, Kayode Egbetokun, for their coordinated efforts in addressing the grievances of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Edwin revealed that the government’s timely intervention not only prevented an imminent disruption of operations but also restored confidence among stakeholders and employees at the refinery. According to him, the incident underscored the importance of collaboration between the private sector, labour unions, and government agencies in achieving the national goal of energy security and industrial stability.

“The management of Dangote Refinery extends its heartfelt gratitude to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu and his team for their decisive intervention, which helped avert a nationwide disruption in the oil and gas industry,” the statement read. “The President’s leadership, coupled with the responsiveness of the security agencies and relevant ministries, ensured that production activities at the refinery were not interrupted. This demonstrates a shared commitment to economic growth and the stability of our nation’s energy infrastructure.”

The refinery management also used the opportunity to reaffirm its respect for workers’ rights and its commitment to maintaining a fair and conducive working environment. Edwin noted that Dangote Refinery remains one of the largest employers in Nigeria’s industrial sector and continues to prioritize the welfare of its workforce. He said the company has consistently engaged with union leaders to ensure transparency, mutual understanding, and respect in labour relations.

The management further emphasized that the refinery’s success depends heavily on collaboration among all stakeholders. It described the recent resolution as a victory for dialogue and cooperation rather than confrontation. “We are grateful that the government acted quickly and responsibly to prevent any form of disruption that could have affected not only the refinery’s operations but also the broader Nigerian economy,” Edwin added.

Sources close to the negotiations revealed that the Ministry of Labour and Employment played a pivotal role in facilitating dialogue between the refinery’s management and representatives of the oil workers’ union. Through the mediation of the federal government, both parties reached a mutual understanding that ensured operations continued smoothly while discussions on outstanding issues proceeded amicably.

Industry observers have praised the swift resolution as a reflection of the government’s renewed commitment to fostering stability in the industrial and energy sectors. They noted that the Dangote Refinery, being Africa’s largest and most advanced refining facility, is too critical to Nigeria’s economic revival to suffer disruptions of any kind. With its 650,000-barrel-per-day capacity, the refinery is expected to significantly reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products and stabilize domestic fuel supply.

The potential disruption, analysts said, could have had ripple effects on fuel supply, energy prices, and investor confidence. The prompt action by President Tinubu’s administration, therefore, sent a positive signal to local and international investors about Nigeria’s readiness to protect strategic assets and maintain a business-friendly environment.

The Dangote Group also expressed appreciation to the security chiefs for ensuring peace and order during the tense period. The company acknowledged the role of the Nigerian Police Force, the Department of State Services (DSS), and other agencies in maintaining calm around its operations and preventing any escalation. It further assured that the refinery would continue to uphold best practices in employee welfare, community relations, and safety standards.

Labour experts have urged continued dialogue between the government, the refinery’s management, and labour unions to prevent similar incidents in the future. They emphasized that the refinery’s role in Nigeria’s industrial development is too important to be jeopardized by avoidable disputes.

Meanwhile, representatives of PENGASSAN have also commended the government’s handling of the situation, describing it as “a demonstration of responsible leadership.” They noted that the union remains committed to protecting workers’ interests while maintaining industrial peace. “We acknowledge the efforts of the government and the Dangote management in ensuring that our concerns were heard and addressed through dialogue,” a union official said.

With the immediate crisis now resolved, attention is shifting to how the government and private sector can build on the renewed partnership to strengthen Nigeria’s oil and gas value chain. Experts say the lesson from the incident is clear: maintaining open communication channels and proactive engagement between management and labour is essential for sustaining productivity and investor confidence.

The Dangote Refinery, which began partial operations earlier this year, is expected to fully ramp up production soon, marking a major milestone in Nigeria’s quest for energy self-sufficiency. The facility is projected to meet the country’s fuel demand while generating foreign exchange through exports to neighbouring African countries.

In conclusion, the company’s appreciation of President Tinubu and key government officials underscores the importance of collaboration in ensuring industrial peace and economic progress. With the crisis averted, the refinery can now continue its mission of transforming Nigeria’s energy landscape, creating jobs, and contributing to national development.