NEWS
Crisis Looms As PENGASSAN Joins NUPENG, Threatens Shutdown of Dangote Refinery
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has vowed to join forces with the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) in its push for the unionisation of tanker drivers and other employees at the Dangote Refinery.
NUPENG had earlier announced plans to halt fuel loading operations, accusing the refinery of attempting to prevent the 4,000 truck drivers recruited to its fleet from joining the union.
In a statement on Monday, PENGASSAN’s General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, declared the association’s “unwavering solidarity” with NUPENG, stressing that workers’ rights to freely associate must not be trampled upon.
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“On behalf of PENGASSAN, we are expressing our full support for our ally and sister union, NUPENG, in their ongoing efforts to secure the rights of tanker drivers currently being hired at the Dangote Refinery,” Okugbawa said.
PENGASSAN accused the refinery’s management of resisting unionisation since inception despite several rounds of negotiation.
“We wish to put on record that Dangote Refinery management has consistently resisted attempts by potential members of both PENGASSAN and NUPENG to join our associations. All diplomatic efforts have failed, and the increasing resistance to unionisation will no longer be tolerated,” the statement read.
The union warned that if the impasse continues, it may be “left with no option but to shut down refinery operations as a last resort to protect our members’ rights and interests.”
According to PENGASSAN, NUPENG’s demands for full unionisation align with both Nigerian labour laws and the conventions of the International Labour Organisation (ILO).
“The right of workers to organise and collectively bargain is not only a fundamental human right but also essential for promoting fair labour practices, ensuring safety, and upholding dignity in the workplace,” the union stressed.
PENGASSAN urged urgent dialogue among stakeholders to prevent a disruption in operations, warning that the implications of ignoring workers’ rights could have ripple effects across the oil and gas industry.
Meanwhile, the Minister of Labour, Employment and Productivity, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has summoned a stakeholders’ meeting in Abuja to resolve the crisis.
President Bola Ahmed Tinubu expresses deep sadness over the sudden death of Mr Dotun Oladipo, former Political Editor of The Punch newspaper and Publisher of The Eagle Online, describing his death as a painful loss to Nigeria’s media industry and the nation at large.
President Tinubu acknowledges the deceased’s contributions to journalism, particularly his years of dedicated service in political reporting and his commitment to providing Nigerians with credible information through both traditional and digital media platforms.
The President says Oladipo’s professional career reflected the important role journalists play in strengthening democracy by informing citizens, holding public officials accountable and providing platforms for robust public discourse.
READ ALSO: Akpabio Mourns Dotun Oladipo
He recalls the deceased’s passion for his profession and his contributions to the growth of digital journalism through The Eagle Online, which he founded after his remarkable career at Punch Newspaper.
“Dotun Oladipo’s death at the age of 56 is a painful loss to the Nigerian media community and to our nation. He was a committed journalist who devoted significant years of his life to informing the public and contributing to the development of our democracy.
“His contributions to political journalism and the digital media space will not be forgotten. I extend my heartfelt condolences to his family, colleagues in GOCOP and friends. I pray that Almighty God will grant him eternal rest and give his loved ones the strength to bear this irreparable loss,” President Tinubu notes.
The President of the Senate, Senator Godswill Obot Akpabio, has expressed profound sadness over the death of veteran journalist and publisher of The Eagle Online, Dotun Oladipo.
Akpabio described Oladipo’s passing as a painful loss to the Nigerian media industry and the nation, noting his significant contributions to journalism, public discourse and the growth of online media in Nigeria.
The President of the Senate commiserated with the family, friends, colleagues and professional associates of the deceased, particularly members of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), where Oladipo served as Emeritus President.
“Dotun Oladipo was a courageous, principled and dedicated journalist who devoted a significant part of his life to the pursuit of truth, responsible journalism and the advancement of society.
“His sudden passing is a profound loss to his family, the journalism profession and Nigeria as a whole. His immense contributions to the development of online journalism, as well as his commitment to professional excellence, integrity and public interest, will remain indelible.
“As the philosopher John Stuart Mill reminded us, ‘He who knows only his own side of the case knows little of that.’ Dotun understood that a free and responsible press must listen, question and speak truth to power. His life demonstrated that journalism, when guided by courage and conscience, can illuminate society and strengthen democracy.
“His legacy will continue to inspire journalists and media professionals who believe in the power of responsible journalism to strengthen democracy and contribute to national development,” Akpabio said.
READ ALSO: PENGASSAN Urges Strategic Focus on Local Refining Expansion
The Senate President prayed that God Almighty would grant the deceased eternal rest and give his family, friends, colleagues and loved ones the fortitude to bear the irreparable loss.
Akpabio also urged members of the media to uphold and build upon Oladipo’s legacy of professionalism, integrity, courage and unwavering commitment to the public interest.
“May God acquaint his soul with the compass of His course” he added.
Norway’s King Harald V has died at the age of 89, bringing an end to his more than three-decade reign and ushering in a new era for the Norwegian monarchy.
The Royal Palace announced on Friday, August 28, 2026, that the monarch died peacefully at Oslo University Hospital at 6:35am local time.
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“It is with deep sadness that we announce that His Majesty King Harald passed away today. King Harald passed away peacefully at Oslo University Hospital on Friday, August 28 at 6:35 am,” the palace said in a statement.
King Harald, who ascended the throne in 1991, had been hospitalised in Oslo since August 17 while receiving treatment for haemolytic anaemia.
His condition became “extremely serious” on Thursday, prompting members of the royal family to gather at his bedside.
His 53-year-old son, Crown Prince Haakon, has automatically succeeded him as monarch under Norway’s constitutional succession rules. He is expected to take the name King Haakon VIII.
Following the announcement of Harald’s death, the flag at the Royal Palace in Oslo was lowered to half-mast, while members of the public gathered outside the palace to lay flowers and mourn the late monarch.
Harald was widely regarded as a popular and unifying figure during his 35 years on the throne. He was also known for his modest lifestyle and efforts to modernise the monarchy.
Kaspara Bolstad, 24, described him as “a very steady and warm king.”
“I think the entire Norwegian people see him as a role model and as someone who brings people together. Whether you’re for or against the monarchy, I think he’s well-liked across the board,” she said.
Magnus Skaugseth, 27, also praised the late King’s inclusive approach.
“He was so inclusive and committed to having values that are inclusive in the society we live in today. When there is so much division and polarisation, he was a pillar pointing in the opposite direction,” Skaugseth said.
Harald had experienced several health challenges in recent years and had undergone procedures including the fitting of a pacemaker. Despite his declining health, he repeatedly ruled out abdication, maintaining that his oath to serve Norway was lifelong.
His death comes during a turbulent period for the Norwegian royal family, which has faced a series of health and personal controversies in recent months.
With Harald’s death, Crown Prince Haakon now takes over the Norwegian throne, marking the beginning of a new chapter for the country’s monarchy.
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