Gov Sule: Communication Gap Behind Dangote Refinery, PENGASSAN Crisis

Governor Abdullahi Sule of Nasarawa State has identified a “gap in communication” as the root cause of the ongoing crisis between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Speaking on Channels Television’s Politics Today on Monday, Sule urged both parties—the union and Dangote Refinery’s leadership—to come together for constructive discussions aimed at resolving the dispute.

The governor emphasized the differences in union management between government-owned enterprises and private companies like Dangote. He praised the federal government’s intervention, highlighting the refinery’s importance not just to Dangote, but to Nigeria as a whole.

“The Dangote refinery in Nigeria is not for Dangote alone, it’s for Nigerians right now,” Sule said. “It has saved Nigeria many challenges—from costly turnaround maintenance to congested ports affecting petroleum product imports. It supports the supply of fertiliser, petrochemicals, and more. Though built by Dangote, today it’s bigger than Dangote; it’s for the entire nation.”

Sule appealed for an amicable resolution without resorting to legal battles, stressing the long-term partnership between the refinery and the union.

“Dangote refinery is here to stay, exporting petroleum products worldwide. We cannot afford to have any disruptions in such a vital institution.”

Drawing on his experience managing Dangote Sugar Refinery, Sule contrasted it with government-run enterprises, noting that effective union management helped avoid conflicts.

“When I was running Dangote Sugar refinery, we managed unions differently from how government-owned companies did. Our staff were less deeply involved in union politics, allowing us to focus on work. Benefits agreed with unions were always honoured, sometimes exceeded. That approach prevented many problems.”

He concluded by urging PENGASSAN and Dangote management to engage in clear dialogue to prevent damaging the refinery’s reputation.

“We can’t afford to let an institution like this falter. If this persists, the world will laugh at us.”