Ali Ndume urges Tinubu to issue executive order to end Dangote-PENGASSAN refinery dispute, calling union action selfish and counterproductive
Ali Ndume urges Tinubu to resolve refinery dispute through an executive order, suggesting that drastic action is necessary to end the standoff between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
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Speaking on Arise Television’s Prime Time programme on Monday, the Borno South senator expressed frustration over the industrial dispute, which escalated after PENGASSAN accused the refinery of unlawfully sacking 800 workers for joining the union.
Ndume, a senior member of the National Assembly, said the president should not hesitate to act decisively—even if that means taking an authoritarian stance.
“The best thing is for the president to sign an executive order calling them off.
He has the right to dissolve them. In this case, I don’t mind if he acts like a dictator because some situations require very drastic measures,” he said.
The Ali Ndume urges Tinubu to resolve refinery dispute comments follow a directive by PENGASSAN on Saturday for nationwide industrial action.
The union insists the sackings violate Nigeria’s labour laws, constitutional protections, and international standards on workers’ rights.
Ndume, however, accused the union of pushing a narrow agenda.
“I have long opposed so-called unionism that prioritises the benefits of a few individuals at the expense of the country,” he remarked.
He also used the opportunity to criticise what he described as Nigeria’s growing tolerance for corruption and the glorification of ill-gotten wealth.
“In this country, unexplained wealth is being celebrated. Questionable wealth is being celebrated, and that affects our total resources,” he lamented.
Ali Ndume urges Tinubu to resolve refinery dispute by stepping in directly to prevent further disruption to Nigeria’s energy and industrial sectors.
He warned that union actions perceived to be politically or personally motivated could undermine national interests.
Ndume also recalled a time when public officials faced real consequences for misconduct. “When we were growing up, political leaders were under scrutiny.
People used to go to prison for failing to account for local taxes. But today, corruption has been legitimised, and those found guilty are even celebrated,” he said.
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest, remains a key part of Nigeria’s energy reform efforts.
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The current dispute poses a serious test for both labour relations and the administration’s commitment to stable industrial growth.
