Dangote Refinery has condemned the decision of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to cut off crude oil and gas supply to its facility, calling it an act of economic sabotage.

In a statement issued on Saturday, the refinery described the union’s directive as “reckless, lawless, and criminal,” stressing that the 650,000-barrel-per-day plant is a national asset that should be protected, not targeted.

The company questioned whose interests PENGASSAN was serving, warning that disrupting operations at the refinery would harm Nigerians, undermine economic stability, and discourage foreign investment.

“This action is a disincentive to external investors who may be considering Nigeria’s oil and gas sector,” the statement read. “An irreparable injury to the Dangote Refinery would amount to a national embarrassment.”

The clash began after PENGASSAN accused the refinery of unjustly sacking more than 800 of its members. In protest, the union directed workers nationwide to halt the supply of crude oil and gas to the facility until the dismissals are addressed.

While Dangote Refinery has urged the Federal Government to call the union to order, it did not directly respond to the allegations of unfair labour practices.

PENGASSAN, however, has vowed to sustain its action until justice is served, insisting that it will not allow Nigerian workers to be sidelined or mistreated.