Energy consultant and Chairman of DAS Energy Services, Chief Sunny Onuesoke, has urged the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to shift its focus from confrontations with the Dangote Refinery to pressing for the revival of the country’s moribund state-owned refineries.
His comments come in the wake of tensions between the union and the management of the refinery over alleged attempts to stop tanker drivers from joining NUPENG, a dispute that recently led to a nationwide shutdown of fuel depots.
Speaking at an oil and gas workshop in Abuja, Onuesoke said union battles with private investors were counterproductive and harmful to Nigeria’s investment climate. He argued that the billions of dollars spent on turnaround maintenance of the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries had yielded no results, yet NUPENG has not held those responsible accountable.
“Instead of waging war against Dangote, NUPENG should demand answers on why our government refineries remain idle despite huge spending,” he said, warning that such hostility towards private projects discourages both local and foreign investors.
Onuesoke also recalled NUPENG’s resistance to the 2007 attempt to privatize the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries, which involved Dangote in the acquisition bid. That opposition, he said, set back efforts to restore domestic refining capacity.
He described the union’s recent actions as “short-sighted,” stressing that the refinery represents a critical step in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel. According to him, the Dangote facility—touted as the largest single-train refinery in the world—offers jobs, supports industrial growth, and aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s drive to attract new investments into the energy sector.
“Trade unions must act responsibly. Without private investors, there would be no jobs and no unions. Constantly attacking private initiatives creates the wrong impression about Nigeria and undermines national progress,” he said.
Onuesoke called on Nigerians to support the refinery project, insisting that its success is tied to the country’s long-term economic stability.
