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Senator Adams Oshiomhole, who represents Edo North and is a former Labour Congress leader, stated that the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) could have resolved its dispute with Dangote Refinery in a different manner.
Oshiomhole emphasized that the union could have addressed the situation without necessitating a shutdown of the country's oil sector.
He made these remarks during an interview with Arise TV on Friday.
While he acknowledged that the union was justified in advocating for a specific group of workers, he asserted that this should not have been done in a way that jeopardized the jobs of others and threatened the Nigerian economy.
The senator from the 10th National Assembly expressed that PENGASSAN should not have halted operations at the Nigerian National Petroleum Company, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, and other vital oil sectors due to its disagreement with Dangote Refinery.
“In attempting to protect a specific group of workers, one should not endanger the jobs of numerous others. The methods employed during a dispute must be such that they do not undermine the livelihoods of others,” he stated.
“In waging a conflict, it is essential to recognize that the means employed must not harm innocent individuals, such as tomato sellers who are unable to procure fuel to transport their goods due to a dispute between a refinery and a union,” Oshiomhole added.
It is important to note that PENGASSAN had halted operations for two days in response to a conflict with the 650,000-barrel-per-day refinery over the dismissal of 800 workers.
The union instructed its members to suspend crude gas supply to Dangote Refinery until the refinery reinstated the workers who were dismissed for union affiliation.
However, following the intervention of the Federal Government, a truce was reached between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.
Frequently Asked Questions
What was the reason for the conflict between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery?
The conflict arose when Dangote Refinery dismissed 800 workers, which PENGASSAN protested by halting operations and cutting crude gas supply.
What was Senator Oshiomhole's stance on the union's actions?
Senator Oshiomhole believed that while the union was right to protect its members, it should not have done so at the expense of other workers' jobs and the overall economy.
Was there any resolution to the conflict?
Yes, a truce was reached between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery following the intervention of the Federal Government.
