The Stand-Up South South Security Group has called on the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to invest their members’ accumulated check-off dues in constructing a private refinery jointly owned by both unions.
In a statement released on Monday by the group’s National Secretary, Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, the organization emphasized that this initiative has become necessary following the recent disagreement between the management of Dangote Refinery and the unions over worker unionization and the payment of check-off dues.
According to Ukutegbere, “It has become essential for PENGASSAN and NUPENG to begin plans to build a private refinery funded by members’ check-off contributions. Both unions, founded in 1977 and 1978 respectively, have the capacity to pool their resources for such a strategic project.”
The group also accused certain members of PENGASSAN, who oversee the operation and maintenance of Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) refineries, of contributing to the continued inactivity of these facilities. It urged the Federal Government and NNPCL to identify and stop individuals allegedly sabotaging refinery operations.
The statement further noted that since their establishment, both unions have collected substantial check-off dues, which, if well managed, could finance the construction of a refinery fully owned by them. The group added that considering the prolonged state of inactivity of government-owned refineries, it was time for the unions to pursue a private alternative.
The organization encouraged PENGASSAN and NUPENG to apply for refinery licenses from the Federal Government, suggesting that such a project could be sited in the oil-rich Niger Delta region.
Expressing appreciation to Nigerians who have invested in modular refineries, including Alhaji Aliko Dangote for building the world’s largest single-train refinery in Lagos, the group noted that PENGASSAN and NUPENG could replicate similar efforts. “A private modular refinery owned by the unions would create jobs, empower members, and contribute to national economic growth,” the statement said.
The group further advised the unions to redirect their focus from disputes with Dangote Refinery management to pressing the Federal Government to rehabilitate the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.
It concluded by emphasizing national unity, urging all Nigerians, regardless of ethnicity, religion, or political affiliation, to contribute toward building a prosperous and sustainable nation.
