CSOs To Tinubu: Hold DAPPMAN, Labour Unions Responsible For Breakdown Of Law, Order

The Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), National Coalition for Market Men, Women and Artisans (NACOMWA), and Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA) have expressed bitterness with the Depot and Petroleum Products Marketers Association of Nigeria (DAPPMAN), as well as strike threats by PENGASSAN, TUC, and NUPENG, saying it represent nothing short of a direct assault on the Nigerian people.

The coalition, in a press statement during their rally to the Presidential Villa, National Assembly and NMDPRA in Abuja on Tuesday, signed by the President, Coalition of Civil Society Organisations in Nigeria (COCSON), Comrade Ibrahim Suleiman; National Chairman, Nigerian Interfaith Forum (NIF), Rev. Dr. Mathew Ayodele; National President, National Coalition for Market Men, Women & Artisans (NACOMWA), Comrade Boma Agbede, and Chairman, Petroleum Consumers Protection Alliance (PCPA), Barr. Yusuf Danladi, called on President Bola Tinubu to hold leaders of these unions responsible if there is a breakdown of law and order in this country and they should be immediately arrested for disobedience to court order.

The coalition said: “For decades, Nigerians have been held hostage by a cartel that thrives on import dependency, round-tripping, subsidy scams, and artificial scarcity. DAPPMAN, an organisation that should be a partner in progress, has chosen instead to undermine the Dangote Refinery and other indigenous refining initiatives because they fear competition, transparency, and efficiency.

“DAPPMAN’s opposition to Dangote Refinery’s emergence as a major force in local refining is not about policy, not about patriotism—it is about preserving their stranglehold over Nigerians. Their agenda is to keep fuel importation alive, so they can continue profiteering at the expense of ordinary citizens who are already battered by poverty, unemployment, and inflation.

“We are equally disturbed by reports that PENGASSAN, NUPENG, and the TUC are planning to embark on an industrial strike to back DAPPMAN’s destructive agenda. At a time when Nigerians are groaning under the weight of economic hardship—when families are choosing between food and school fees, when transportation costs already swallow meagre salaries—these labour unions want to compound the suffering by shutting down oil and gas operations.

“Let us be clear: this is not a strike for workers. It is a strike for cartels. This is not a fight for fairness. It is a fight against Nigeria’s independence in refining. History will not forgive any union that aligns with saboteurs against the very people they claim to represent.”

The coalition said they welcome with relief the ruling of the Federal High Court which barred PENGASSAN from stopping gas supply to Dangote Refinery, saying the judgment validates their position that the strike threats were not in the interest of workers or Nigerians, but a calculated move to sabotage Nigeria’s refining revolution.

They said the judiciary has spoken clearly that no union or cartel has the right to hold 200 million Nigerians hostage in pursuit of selfish interests, and called on security agencies to enforce this ruling decisively and ensure that no group undermines the court’s order.

They further stated that, “ASUU is the union of university lecturers in Nigeria, but it does not go after Covenant, Baze, Babcock, JABU, or Crescent universities to force their lecturers into membership. NURTW is the union of road transport workers, yet it does not force the drivers of God is Good, GUO, Ekeson, or Chisco into its ranks.

“NUT is the union of teachers in primary and secondary schools, yet it does not march into Chrisland, Grange, British International School, or Charterhouse to compel teachers to join.

“So why should Dangote Refinery, a private enterprise built with private sweat and risk, solving our collective refining crisis—be forced into the grip of PENGASSAN or any union that can shut it down at will?

“If any worker at Dangote Refinery is unhappy and feels the need for union protection, let them seek employment elsewhere or test their grievances in court. Nigerians cannot allow a situation where, after decades of suffering from fuel imports, one man builds a world-class refinery, and a union claims the power to cripple it at will.”

PIA Amendments: Group Vows Nationwide Protest Against FG’s Attempt to Sell Critical Assets

The National Rebirth Movement (NRM) has vowed to mobilise Nigerians for nationwide protests against what it described as a dangerous plot by the federal government to amend the Petroleum Industry Act (PIA) and sell off critical national assets.

In a statement issued on Monday in Kaduna, Comrade James Jonah Gbudu, president of the movement, accused Finance Minister Wale Edun of spearheading moves that would strip the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) of its backbone and hand over the country’s oil wealth to cronies.

“These amendments are the handiwork of Wale Edun, who appears to think he will be in government forever. Nigerians must rise against this kind of individual mentality and the planned return of the Obasanjo/Atiku era that sold off critical national assets. This time, they want to sell everything to their friends and render the NNPCL naked,” Gbudu said.

The NRM president said the movement would not fold its arms while government policies mortgage the nation’s future. He described the PIA, passed into law in 2021 after two decades of delay, as one of the few reforms that provided a clear framework for the oil and gas sector.

The group said it believes President Bola Tinubu may not be aware of the move to amend the PIA and sell off public assets.

“It is barely four years since the PIA came into effect, and instead of strengthening it, this government wants to dismantle its safeguards. Our national oil company, which should be a source of pride and revenue for all Nigerians, is being targeted for stripping under the guise of reforms. We believe President Bola Tinubu may not be fully aware of the implications of this move, but Nigerians will not be passive while their future is auctioned,” he said.

Gbudu recalled how past privatisations failed to deliver value to citizens, saying they mainly enriched a few politically connected businessmen. He warned that repeating that pattern in the oil sector would deepen poverty and unemployment.

“The Obasanjo/Atiku era taught us bitter lessons. NEPA was sold, yet Nigerians are still in darkness. Refineries were left comatose while billions are spent on fuel imports. We will not allow another cycle of deception,” he declared.

Instead of amending the PIA to pave the way for asset sales, Gbudu urged the government to focus on transparency and accountability within the NNPCL.

“What Nigerians want is openness. We want to know the real figures, the contracts, the daily production, the inflows and outflows. That is what will build trust and efficiency. Selling off assets to friends of those in government will only deepen corruption and rob the country of future revenues,” he added.

The NRM leader said the group has begun consultations with civil society organisations, labour unions, student groups and community leaders to resist the proposed changes.

“We are ready to lead Nigerians to the streets if necessary. This is not just about oil, it is about the survival of our commonwealth. If they insist on amending the PIA to sell off our assets, we will mobilise nationwide protests,” Gbudu warned.

CSOs Hail Court Order Stopping PENGASSAN’s Strike

…say parties must respect the rule of law

A coalition of civil society organisations has applauded the ruling of the National Industrial Court in Abuja halting the planned strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against the Dangote Refinery.

The group, operating under the aegis of the Coalition for the Defence of Economic Rights (CODER), described the interim order as “a victory for the rule of law and economic stability”.

In a statement issued after an emergency meeting on Monday night and signed by its president, Comrade Babajide Oresanya, CODER urged all parties to respect the decision of the court and allow due process to take its course.

“We hail the decision of the court under Justice Emmanuel Sublim to stop the strike and preserve the integrity of our economy,” Oresanya said.

“The attempt to cripple operations at the Dangote Refinery by cutting off crude oil and gas supply would have inflicted incalculable damage on the livelihoods of ordinary Nigerians. The judiciary has once again risen to the occasion by protecting both the rule of law and the national interest.”

The coalition further warned that industrial unions must not act in a manner that undermines national development or the survival of critical infrastructure.

“While we recognise and respect the constitutional right of workers to organise and press their demands, such rights must be exercised responsibly and within the bounds of the law. The refinery is not just a private enterprise; it is a strategic national asset with implications for energy security, job creation, and the wider economy. To hold it hostage for union politics is unacceptable,” the statement read.

Oresanya urged PENGASSAN to retrace its steps and engage in constructive dialogue rather than confrontation.

He also commended the federal government for acting swiftly by meeting with PENGASSAN and regulatory agencies such as the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC) Limited, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), while urging stakeholders to abide strictly by the interim order of the court.

“The court has spoken. Any attempt to flout this order would amount to contempt and could further escalate the situation. Nigerians are watching, and what the country needs at this moment is stability, not conflict. Respect for the judiciary is non-negotiable,” Oresanya stressed.

The coalition also expressed concern that the controversy surrounding PENGASSAN’s allegations against the refinery could distract from the broader national goal of energy sufficiency.

“Independent investigations and facts on ground have shown that the Dangote Refinery has been a net creator of jobs, both directly and indirectly. Rather than peddling unsubstantiated allegations, the union should channel energy into ensuring that the refinery delivers optimally and contributes to reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported petroleum products,” the group noted.

CODER concluded by calling on Nigerians to remain calm and trust in the judicial process.

“The interim order is only the first step. The substantive matter will be heard on October 13, and we are confident that the court will dispense justice in line with the facts presented. What is most important now is that all parties submit to the authority of the court and allow reason to prevail,” Oresanya added.

The National Industrial Court had earlier on Monday restrained PENGASSAN from proceeding with its nationwide strike after Dangote Refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim, filed an ex-parte application.

Justice Sublim ruled that the strike could cause irreparable harm to the economy and ordered all parties to maintain the status quo until the substantive case is heard.

CSOs Hail FCCO Provost’s Performance, Pass Confidence Vote

Civil Society Organisations, Movement for Better Nation (MBN) and Good Governance Campaigners Network (GGCN) have dismissed allegations of corruption and underperformance against the Provost of Federal Cooperative College Oji River, Enugu State (FCCO), Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu, following investigations. 

The groups launched an inquiry after a report had mentioned the college in a project duplication allegation. The investigation involved a fact-finding visit to the institution and all the project sites linked to the report.

In a joint statement made available to newsmen, Saturday in Enugu, by the Coordinator of the two civil society groups,  Comrade Emmanuel Ailemen, revealed that facts on the ground gave a clean bill of health on Dr. Obidiegwu as the mentioning of his name and FCCO in projects duplication were “absolute misinformation”, rather they are ongoing Constituency Projects.

Ailemen disclosed that given the empirical evidence on the ground, the CSOs passed a vote of confidence on Dr. Obidiegwu,  noting that beyond the emergence of facts exonerating him and the institute from contract fraud, he has transformed FCCO from being a school without basic facilities for learning, training and development to an institution with the right atmosphere for academic excellence and capacity building.

The group further stated that the kind of transformation FCCO has undergone under the current Provost aligns with President Bola Tinubu’s Renewed Hope Agenda, while urging the general public to disregard all allegations linking Dr. Obidiegwu to corruption or underperformance, but rather dwell on facts on the ground.

“At first, our attention was drawn to the allegation of project duplication in which the Federal Cooperative College Oji River, under the leadership of Dr. Obidiegwu, was mentioned. However,  from our findings, we can confirm that the allegation is an absolute falsehood and misinformation.

“We also uncovered that projects FCCO was mentioned were awarded to communities in Akwa Ibom State; rather, the projects are Constituency projects and are at various completion stages.

“It is worthy of note that none of the projects were located in Federal Cooperative College, Oji River, Enugu State. The Provost of the college mentioned in the project duplication allegations was an act of misinformation.

“It is evident that the college name was erroneously written as a benefactor in the Akwa Ibom Constituency projects.”

On the performance of FCCO under the Dr Obidiegwu-led leadership, the CSOs praised the Provost for spearheading infrastructural development in the college after one year of being in charge.

“We can attest from what we saw on the ground that under Dr. Jude Ejikeme Obidiegwu’s transformational leadership shot the College shot into the limelight as a better alternative to prospective candidates seeking admission into a credible tertiary institution, despite taking over the mantle of leadership of the Institution just a year ago.

“No doubt, the ongoing reforms driven by Dr. Obidiegwu have increased and given the College a comparative advantage over contemporaries over others in the country.

“We encourage Dr. Obidiegwu to keep up with the good work, he must not be deterred or distracted by criticism from naysayers. We declare our support for his leadership.

“Dr Obidiegwu has our vote of confidence, and we urge him not to pay attention to baseless allegations orchestrated by enemies of progress,” the statement added.

Consumer Forum Urges FG, DSS to Investigate Desperate Efforts by PENGASSAN to Shut Down Dangote Refinery

***Says Enemies of Nigeria Desperately at Work to Sabotage Energy Independence

The Concerned Nigerian Consumers Forum has called on the Federal Government and the Department of State Services (DSS) to investigate what it describes as desperate attempts by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to undermine the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a critical national asset aimed at achieving Nigeria’s energy independence.In a statement signed by Comrade Olabisi Taiwo, President, and Dr. Justice Akani Alikor, Secretary, the Forum expressed alarm over PENGASSAN’s threats to picket the $20 billion refinery over alleged mass sackings. The group accused the union of risking Nigeria’s return to fuel scarcity, economic instability, and national embarrassment, urging Nigerians to question PENGASSAN’s motives.“PENGASSAN, alongside NUPENG, played a significant role in the collapse of Nigeria’s public refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna,” the Forum stated. “They resisted reforms, blocked privatization, and crippled fuel supply with strikes. Their actions contributed to the rot that turned these refineries into relics of corruption and mismanagement.”The Dangote Refinery, the world’s largest single-train refinery with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, is a private initiative designed to end Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel, stabilize prices, and create jobs. The Forum emphasized that the refinery, which employs over 3,000 Nigerians and continues to recruit, is not anti-labor but focused on operational efficiency and safety. The company’s recent reorganization, according to Dangote, was prompted by acts of sabotage that threatened operations.The Forum criticized PENGASSAN’s threat to picket the refinery despite a court order restraining industrial action, calling it “union overreach” and a violation of the rule of law. It also condemned the union’s inflammatory rhetoric, citing a metaphorical statement about a “witch crying in the night” as reckless and divisive.“Who benefits if the refinery fails?” the Forum asked. “Certainly not the Nigerian people, but fuel importers and rent seekers who profit from chaos.” The group urged PENGASSAN to engage in dialogue, respect the courts, and prioritize national interests over what it called “irresponsible unionism.”The Forum called on the Ministries of Labour, Petroleum Resources, and Justice to intervene and protect the refinery from disruption. “The government must send a clear message: industrial blackmail will not be tolerated,” the statement read. “Nigerians have suffered enough from fuel queues and economic hardship. The Dangote Refinery is our best chance at energy independence, and we must not allow vested interests to destroy it.”The Forum concluded by reaffirming its support for progress, stability, and the rule of law, urging all Nigerians to protect the refinery as a symbol of hope and a break from the nation’s troubled energy past.

China embraces two-wheel mobility as a green urban transportation solution

By Han Xin, People’s Daily

China’s urban transport landscape is increasingly characterized by “two-wheel mobility” – primarily bicycles and electric scooters – which has become a vital component of sustainable urban development.

According to the China Bicycle Association, China’s bicycle ownership has topped 200 million, with an additional 380 million electric-powered two-wheelers in use. Chinese urbanites use bicycles or e-bikes for about 30 out of every 100 trips they make. The figures point to a shift in China, where growing environmental awareness is prompting more commuters to opt for two-wheeled, low-carbon alternatives.

“Bicycles and e-bikes are well-suited for short- and medium-distance urban travel. As health and sustainability become greater public priorities, two-wheel mobility continues to gain momentum,” said Guo Wenyu, vice president and secretary general of the association.

A 2024 report on green mobility indicates that from 2021 to 2023, the average urban bicycle trip lengthened from 12.6 minutes to 13.88 minutes, particularly during peak hours when these modes of transport offer notable time savings. Compared with traditional vehicles, two-wheel mobility also provides clear advantages in terms of cost efficiency and environmental impact.

Daily use of two-wheel transport reduces national carbon emissions by approximately 10,000 tons, equivalent to saving 6.6 million liters of gasoline, based on an average fuel consumption rate of 8 liters per 100 kilometers. In 2023 alone, this reduction totaled 4.29 million tons, translating to environmental cost savings of roughly 2.6 billion yuan.

The growing popularity of cycling culture has further propelled this trend. “Ride-and-tour” tourism is becoming popular, with over 18 million cycling enthusiasts and more than 100 million regular cyclists across China.

Shared bicycles have become a cornerstone of urban public transportation, with more than 12 million in operation and approximately 24 million rides taken daily. Technological advancements, such as BeiDou-enabled bike tracking, have improved the efficiency of bike-sharing services. Meituan, a major provider, reported over 10 billion kilometers traveled through its shared two-wheel platform last year, avoiding more than 580,000 tons in carbon emissions. According to a Meituan executive, roughly 23 percent of these trips replaced travel that would have otherwise been made by car.

As urban transportation systems continue to modernize, the integration of cycling with rail transit is becoming increasingly prevalent across Chinese cities. To facilitate this multimodal connectivity, local governments are enhancing infrastructure by constructing sheltered walkways, expanding bike parking facilities, and designating parking zones near transit stations. These efforts aim to create seamless transitions between two-wheel mobility and public transit, reinforcing the shift toward greener urban transportation.

From 2021 to 2023, the proportion of bicycle trips near rail transit stations rose steadily nationwide. Notably, e-bike usage around these hubs increased by 13 percent in 2022 and an additional 11.3 percent in 2023, underscoring their expanding role in last-mile connectivity. Guo observed that e-bikes are increasingly favored over traditional bicycles, as their functionality better aligns with the demands of short-distance urban travel.

In a recent innovation, Qingdao’s West Coast New Area launched 200 hydrogen-powered shared bicycles in June. These bikes, which can be unlocked via mobile scan, offer faster refueling and an extended range of up to 100 kilometers, outperforming traditional e-bikes in both convenience and efficiency.

As China’s bicycle inventory expands, end-of-life management has become an increasingly pressing concern. Many regions are adopting circular economy practices for the retirement and recycling of bikes. In the Guangdong-Hong Kong-Macao Greater Bay Area, the bicycle recycling rate has reached approximately 25 percent, while the shared bicycle sector has achieved near-total recycling and reuse of decommissioned units.

“Two-wheel mobility has evolved from a basic mode of transportation into a healthier, more sustainable lifestyle,” Guo noted. “More people are using cycling not only to commute, but also to explore their cities, mapping their lives through the routes they take.” With continued infrastructure development and rising environmental awareness, two-wheel mobility is set to remain a key driver of green urban development.

Working together for enduring peace, stability

By He Yin, People’s Daily

A stable international order is the cornerstone of global peace and development. At the recently concluded 12th Beijing Xiangshan Forum, representatives from more than 100 countries, regions, and international organizations, along with experts, scholars, and observers, convened under the theme “Upholding International Order and Promoting Peaceful Development.” 

The forum addressed pressing global security challenges and explored cooperative approaches to safeguard the international order and bridge security deficits.

“When China held its grand military parade on Sept. 3, I was in Senegal. The event was widely covered, even across Africa. It reminded people of China’s significant contribution to the victory in the World Anti-Fascist War,” said Harold E. Raugh, Jr., president of the International Commission of Military History.

Many international participants echoed this sentiment, referencing China’s recent commemoration of the 80th anniversary of the victory in the Chinese People’s War of Resistance Against Japanese Aggression and the World Anti-Fascist War. Their remarks reflected deep respect for China’s longstanding commitment to global peace and development.

Commemorating this historic victory serves not only as a tribute to the past but also as a call to learn from history in pursuit of a better future. Eight decades ago, a new international order emerged from the devastation of war, founded on humanity’s collective aspirations for peace and justice. 

Over the past eight decades, the UN-centered international system, the international order underpinned by international law, and the basic norms of international relations based on the purposes and principles of the UN Charter have contributed significantly to preserving global peace and advancing human progress. However, today this postwar order faces mounting challenges. Power politics, unilateralism, and coercive practices are undermining established norms, threatening the foundations of global stability and running counter to the currents of history.

In turbulent times, the need for leadership, dialogue, and cooperation becomes even more urgent. China’s recently proposed Global Governance Initiative rests on five core concepts: adhering to sovereign equality, abiding by the international rule of law, practicing multilateralism, advocating a people-centered approach, and focusing on taking real actions. In full alignment with the purposes and principles of the UN Charter, the initiative offers a timely and pragmatic approach to preserving the international order.

At the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, many participants recognized the initiative as an important platform for international cooperation that will address common challenges and strengthen the foundation for global security. They praised its emphasis on sovereign equality, its foundation in the UN system, and its alignment with the aspirations of the Global South for a more inclusive, just, and equitable world order.

Openness and inclusiveness were defining features of this year’s forum. Participants included representatives not only from developed and emerging major countries, but also from small and medium-sized states and conflict-affected regions. Amid widening global security divides, this diversity underscored the forum’s value as a platform for inclusive dialogue. It reflected China’s vision of resolving differences through consultation and addressing disputes through cooperation. 

As some international media outlets observed, the Beijing Xiangshan Forum has provided Global South countries with a platform where their voices are heard, broadening global discourse beyond Western-dominated venues.

China’s role in global security governance has become increasingly prominent in recent years. The 2025 Conference of Global Public Security Cooperation Forum, held in recent days, drew participants from 120 countries, regions, and international organizations to engage in discussions on global security issues. 

From putting forward the Global Security Initiative and the Global Governance Initiative to launching dialogue platforms such as the Beijing Xiangshan Forum, the China-Africa Peace and Security Forum, the Middle East Security Forum, and the China-Latin America High-Level Defense Forum, China has consistently taken concrete steps to advance peace and stability. Its active participation in UN peacekeeping missions and mediation in regional conflicts further demonstrates its growing role as a responsible global actor. 

Humanity shares a common future. Only by treating each other as equals, coexisting in harmony, and fostering mutual support can nations eliminate the root causes of war and achieve lasting peace and stability. Looking ahead, China will continue working hand in hand with the international community to promote cooperation and safeguard peace, injecting greater stability into the turbulent world and creating new hope for the future of humanity.

Shanghai expands supportive environment for global talent

By Cao Lingjuan, People’s Daily

Shanghai continues to make steady strides in building a more open, convenient, and supportive environment for international professionals, ensuring that individuals from around the world can work, live, and pursue opportunities in the city with ease.

In September 2025, Anna, a 29-year-old Russian national working at a catering enterprise on the Bund, visited the Bund Service Center for International Professionals to apply for a work permit. Thanks to seamless English-language support, her application was processed within minutes. Impressed by the efficiency, she praised the convenience of being able to complete the entire process in one location.

Launched in April in Shanghai’s Huangpu district, the Bund Service Center for International Professionals serves as a one-stop hub for international professionals. Covering 36 integrated government services, including work permits, visa applications, permanent residency, customs facilitation, business services, and daily life assistance, the center consolidates what once required multiple trips across various departments into a single, efficient experience.

“In the past, foreigners often had to visit as many as four different offices, the exit-entry administration center, district administrative service center, employment service center, and community affairs center. Now it can all be done here,” explained the center’s director. 

Zhao Shuai, human resource manager at Three on the Bund, where Anna is employed, echoed this sentiment, recalling the previous burden of running between government offices. “Now, many procedures can even be completed entirely online, thanks to the new policies Shanghai has introduced,” she said.

To further support international professionals, Huangpu district has consolidated a wide range of resources related to government services, living guides, and entrepreneurship into a unified platform. A bilingual handbook provides practical guidance on working in Shanghai, finding housing, and navigating tax procedures. It also includes cultural insights, such as the distinction between shengjian mantou and xiaolong mantou, adding a light-hearted touch to practical advice.

As Shanghai’s “heart, window, and signboard,” Huangpu district is leveraging its strategic riverside location to position the center as the first stop for international talent. The district aims to build a comprehensive, end-to-end support system that facilitates career development, daily life, and cultural integration.

Openness, innovation, and inclusiveness have long been hallmarks of Shanghai’s identity. Beyond Huangpu, the Hongqiao Service Center for International Professionals enables foreigners to apply for both work and residence permits in a single visit, while Jing’an district has rolled out additional measures to attract global talent for work, innovation, and entrepreneurship.

From the heart of the East, Shanghai extends a sincere invitation to global professionals, welcoming international talent with open arms and tangible, forward-thinking support.

FERA Hit Hard at PENGASSAN Over Fraudulent Claims Against Dangote Refinery

…as independent investigation exonerates Dangote Refinery

The Fair Employment Rights Activists (FERA) has blasted the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over what it described as “fraudulent, mischievous and hypocritical” claims against the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

PENGASSAN had accused the refinery of terminating the jobs of more than 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with 2,000 undocumented Indians.

But in a statement on Saturday signed by its president, Comrade Ebikeme Adigio, FERA said its independent investigation found no evidence to support the union’s allegations.

“Our fact-finding mission revealed that expatriates at Dangote Refinery are fully documented, properly accredited and engaged for specialised roles,” Adigio said.

“There is no single proof that Nigerian workers were unlawfully replaced. On the contrary, the refinery has directly and indirectly created over one million jobs in less than a year. That is the truth PENGASSAN does not want Nigerians to hear.”

The activist group went further, accusing some union leaders of lacking both the moral and legal right to challenge the operations of an investment that, according to FERA, is delivering where the union failed.

“Osifo and Okugbawa represent the same structure that supervised the waste of over $4 billion on failed Turn Around Maintenance projects at Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries,” Adigio declared.

“For decades, these men and their colleagues stood by while our refineries rotted away, workers were retrenched, and Nigeria bled under subsidy fraud. Now they rise to play saints? It is the height of hypocrisy. As Fela once sang, animals want to teach us human rights.”

The group also alleged that some of union leaders personally benefited from the subsidy era and patronage appointments.

“We all know that Festus Osifo’s children and cronies were comfortably placed in the NNPCL under Mele Kyari’s reign, feeding fat from subsidy fraud, while young Nigerians were forced into menial jobs in Ghana and Togo. Today, the same people want to lecture a refinery that is creating jobs and dismantling their corrupt pipeline of patronage,” Adigio declared.

FERA argued that the real motive behind PENGASSAN’s attacks was to blackmail the Dangote Refinery and protect vested interests.

“What PENGASSAN failed to tell Nigerians is that their agitation is not about the welfare of workers but about losing control over a sector that they had weaponised for decades. Dangote Refinery is not bound to adopt the union’s corrupt style of business-as-usual, and that is what is making them restless,” the group stated.

“They are not fighting for workers. They are fighting for a corrupt system that Dangote Refinery has disrupted. The union collects 3% of every oil worker’s salary in Nigeria, yet has not built one functional refinery, not even a small modular plant. If they truly cared about employment, why not buy the moribund Port Harcourt refinery and prove they can manage it?”

On the contrary, FERA said Dangote Refinery has proven its commitment to workers and to Nigeria’s economy. It cited the rollout of 8,000 compressed natural gas buses, which it said instantly generated 16,000 jobs in a single day, as well as its broader impact across supply chains.

“The Dangote Refinery should be celebrated, not vilified. It is fighting for the poor, ensuring we are no longer held hostage by subsidy cartels, and creating jobs at a scale Nigeria has never witnessed. PENGASSAN’s lies will not erase these facts,” Adigio said.

The group also rejected the union’s threat to cut gas and crude supply to the refinery, describing it as “nothing short of economic sabotage.”

“It is reckless for a union that squandered decades of goodwill to now threaten to strangle a national asset. This is not unionism; it is sabotage. Nigerians will not allow PENGASSAN to destroy what they never built,” the statement added.

FERA urged government and regulators to resist PENGASSAN’s “blackmail and lies” and protect the refinery from vested interests.

“The truth is simple: PENGASSAN is angry because the party is over. Thanks to President Bola Tinubu, that corrupt regime has ended,” the statement added.

“If PENGASSAN is genuinely concerned about workers’ welfare, let them buy up the moribund Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, make them work, and employ as many Nigerians as they want. Until then, they should stop blackmailing an investor who is doing what government and unions failed to do for decades.”

VP Shettima’s Outstanding Performance At UNGA As Testament To Loyalty To President Tinubu, Nigeria – NCRT

A civic group, the National Coalition for Renewed Transformation (NCRT), has commended Vice President Kashim Shettima for what it described as an “outstanding and historic performance” at the 80th Session of the United Nations General Assembly (UNGA), where he delivered President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s address on behalf of Nigeria.

In a statement issued on Saturday by its president, Otunba Leke Adebodun, the coalition said Shettima’s performance at the global stage was both a testament to his personal loyalty to President Tinubu and a demonstration of Nigeria’s renewed commitment to multilateralism, peace, and sustainable development.

“The Vice President carried the voice of Nigeria with dignity, conviction, and clarity. At a time when global institutions are facing profound questions of relevance, his delivery of President Tinubu’s message at the United Nations reflected not only loyalty to the president but also loyalty to the ideals of Nigeria’s founding fathers and to the aspirations of millions of citizens,” Adebodun said.

The coalition noted that Shettima’s speech struck a delicate balance between confronting the world with uncomfortable truths and offering constructive pathways forward.

It recalled that the address touched on a broad range of issues from global debt to climate change, from peace and security to digital innovation, and from the plight of Palestinians to the urgency of reforming the UN Security Council.

According to Adebodun, Shettima’s presentation of Tinubu’s words showed that Nigeria is once again reclaiming its voice on the global stage.

“When he spoke about billions being wasted on wars while little is invested in peace, he echoed the very frustrations of the developing world. When he reminded the Assembly that Africa deserves a permanent seat on the Security Council, he brought to the fore a demand long overdue. And when he declared that the Palestinian people deserve a home of their own, he underscored Nigeria’s principled stance on justice and human rights,” he said.

The coalition also highlighted Shettima’s ability to weave Nigeria’s domestic realities into the global conversation. His reference to floods in Maiduguri and other Nigerian cities, the challenges of terrorism and insurgency, and the weight of unsustainable debt, were described as a “sobering reminder that the fate of nations is interconnected.”

For the NCRT, the loyalty Shettima demonstrated in carrying President Tinubu’s vision before world leaders is a reflection of the renewed trust between the president and his vice.

“There is no daylight between them. The Vice President did not merely read a text; he embodied the philosophy of Renewed Hope and presented Nigeria’s case with passion and precision. This is the mark of genuine loyalty, the kind that elevates leadership rather than diminishes it,” Adebodun stressed.

The coalition insisted that Shettima’s UNGA outing was not just symbolic but substantive, adding that key soundbites from the address will shape policy debates for months to come, particularly Nigeria’s calls for reform of the international financial architecture, asset recovery, inclusive tax regimes, and access to climate financing for developing countries.

“Vice President Shettima has given Nigerians a reason to be proud. He reminded the world that our country is not a passive observer of global events but an active shaper of global conversations. His presence in New York was a strong demonstration that Nigeria, under President Tinubu, is ready to lead Africa and engage the world with confidence,” the statement added.

The coalition further urged Nigerians at home to draw inspiration from the Vice President’s performance.

“This was not just about international diplomacy; it was about showing that Nigeria has leaders who can articulate our vision before the world. It was about showing loyalty that is not blind, but intelligent, loyal to the president and to the people simultaneously. That is what Shettima delivered at the United Nations,” Adebodun stressed.

Reaffirming its support for the Tinubu administration, the coalition said it will continue to mobilise Nigerians towards national renewal and transformation.

“At UNGA 79, Vice President Shettima stood tall for Nigeria. That moment belongs not just to him, not just to the president, but to every Nigerian who still believes in the possibility of a great nation. We celebrate him and reaffirm our loyalty to President Tinubu and the country we all serve,” the group said.