Oil Workers’ Strike: Chambers Of Commerce, Employers Warn Of Economic Disaster, Urge Urgent Resolution

Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) has warned against the impact on the economy, as the strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Refinery entered its second day on Tuesday.
Also, the Nigeria Employers’ Consultative Association (NECA) has frowned at the oil workers’ ongoing action, warning that it amounts to self-help and is tantamount to economic sabotage capable of derailing the country’s fragile economic recovery.

The director-general of NECA, Adewale-Smatt Oyerinde, emphasised that “conflict is an inevitable feature of the labour ecosystem, and Nigeria has statutory and institutional frameworks designed to address any disputes, including the Industrial Arbitration Panel (IAP) and the National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN).”

Oyerinde called on the Minister of Labour and Employment to act decisively by stopping the wanton and wilful denigration of Nigeria’s industrial relations system. He stated, “With Nigeria sending one of the highest delegations to the ILO Conference annually, it is curious that basic industrial relations principles, Conventions, and Recommendations remain poorly applied.”

He called for the dispute to be resolved through lawful and constructive channels, warning that failure to act decisively could have far-reaching consequences for economic sustainability, job creation and preservation, investment attraction and promotion and national development.
However, he noted, “Any action capable of discouraging investment, undermining enterprises’ sustainability, or harming the workers the unions claim to protect will be counter-productive. While trade unions have the legitimate right to embark on industrial action, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law.

“It is unacceptable for any union to conscript or coerce those not interested in its action or disrupt the operations of legitimate businesses not party to the dispute. Treating Institutions of labour administration with disdain and resorting to self-help is not only absurd but also against all known Conventions and Recommendations.”

According to the DG, “When employers or workers are aggrieved, institutions are created to adjudicate or arbitrate such matters. Nigeria’s recovering economy cannot be sacrificed on the altar of actions and pronouncements alien to global and local industrial relations practice. ”

Citing international labour instruments, including ILO Conventions 87 and 98, Oyerinde reaffirmed NECA’s commitment to upholding global labour standards, decent work, and responsible business conduct while not negotiating employers’ rights to manage their enterprises and investments within the law.

Meanwhile, NACCIMA cautioned that the ongoing dispute threatens to unleash an economic disaster across Nigeria if not promptly and peacefully resolved.NACCIMA expressed deep concern over the potential nationwide impact of the strike, emphasising that the energy sector is pivotal to the country’s overall economic stability. The disruption of operations at Dangote Refinery, one of Nigeria’s most extensive oil processing facilities, could severely undermine energy supply chains, cripple transportation networks, stall manufacturing activities, and destabilise essential public services.

Engr. Jani Ibrahim, the national president of NACCIMA, described the situation as a critical moment for the Nigerian economy. He warned, “The nationwide shutdown within the energy sector at this time is a crippling blow to Nigeria’s gradually stabilising economy.

The ripple effects will be felt across all sectors, risking job losses, accelerating inflationary pressures, and eroding investor confidence.”Ibrahim further stressed that dialogue between all parties involved must be concluded without delay. “The business community is alarmed, recognising that peaceful and constructive negotiations are vital. This is not a matter of choice but a pressing necessity if Nigeria’s economic progress is to be preserved.”

In a call to action, NACCIMA urged the federal government, PENGASSAN leadership, and Dangote Refinery management to immediately return to the negotiation table for a mutually beneficial resolution. The association underscored that maintaining industrial peace and fostering open communication are essential strategies to protect livelihoods, stabilise the refining capacity critical to Nigeria’s energy independence, and restore confidence among both local and international investors.NACCIMA also reaffirmed its readiness to support and, if necessary, facilitate dialogue among stakeholders to ensure that national economic interests are prioritised. Engr. Ibrahim highlighted the grave risks of the protracted dispute, stating, “This strike is a clear and present danger to Nigeria’s economy. On behalf of Nigerian businesses and industries, NACCIMA appeals for urgent intervention to secure industrial peace and prioritise the nation’s welfare.”As the strike enters a crucial stage, all eyes remain fixed on efforts to halt the escalation and avert what could become a severe economic crisis stemming from the Dangote-PENGASSAN dispute.

Similarly, on his part, the chairman of the Alliance for Economic Research and Ethics LTDGTE.

Honorary Life Vice-President & 22nd National President of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce Industry Mines and Agriculture and immediate past Chairman Organized Private Sector of Nigeria, Hon. Dele Kelvin Oye called for swift, transparent, and mediated action to resolve this crisis: safeguard national energy supply, uphold labour rights and due process, and preserve the fragile economic recovery for the benefit of all Nigerians.