The Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has warned of nationwide disruption if the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) embark on an industrial strike over the dispute with the Dangote Refinery.
In a statement issued on Monday, NACCIMA warned that an industrial shutdown in the energy sector could cripple transportation, manufacturing, and critical public services nationwide, undermining Nigeria’s fragile economic stability.
“A nationwide shutdown in the energy sector at this time would be a crippling blow to Nigeria’s stabilising economy,” said Engr. Jani Ibrahim, National President of NACCIMA. “The business community is alarmed at the possible consequences for jobs, inflation, and investor confidence. Dialogue is not optional; it is urgent and necessary.”
The association’s warning is prompted by the escalation of the dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery following the sack of 800 workers.
The association urged the Federal Government, PENGASSAN, and Dangote Refinery’s management to urgently return to the negotiation table to avert what it described as a “clear and present danger” to the economy. It further emphasised that constructive engagement and industrial peace remain vital to protecting livelihoods, safeguarding investor trust, and sustaining Nigeria’s refining capacity.
Positioning itself as a potential mediator, NACCIMA expressed readiness to support dialogue in the national interest.
The dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery has intensified in recent weeks, with the oil workers’ union threatening nationwide industrial action over unresolved issues. Although the federal government has intervened, the two parties in the dispute are still engaging in verbal exchanges.
Comments are closed.