This comes after a recent dispute between the union and the management of Dangote Refinery over allegations that the refinery was preventing petroleum tanker drivers from joining the union, violating the Trade Union Act. The union responded with industrial action, shutting down fuel depots nationwide.
Speaking at an Oil and Gas Workshop in Abuja, Onuesoke criticized the union’s actions, warning that such confrontations could discourage local and foreign investors.
He questioned why the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries remain non-operational despite billions spent on maintenance and challenged the union to disclose how over $18 billion was reportedly wasted without results. He argued that attacking private investments like Dangote Refinery harms national economic progress.
Onuesoke also referenced the union’s past opposition to the attempted privatization of the Port Harcourt and Kaduna refineries in 2007, where Dangote was part of the consortium. He said this resistance reversed a potential revival of Nigeria’s refining capacity.
He urged the union to act responsibly, emphasizing that investors are watching and such behavior damages Nigeria’s reputation. He reminded the union that without private investors like Dangote, there would be no jobs or union to represent workers.
Onuesoke described the union’s approach as “economic desperation” and warned it could undermine President Bola Tinubu’s efforts to attract investment into the oil and gas sector. He stressed that while workers have the right to unionize, decisions should be voluntary and handled with maturity and national interest in mind.
He called on Nigerians to support the Dangote Refinery project, highlighting its significance as the world’s largest single-train refinery and a milestone for Nigeria’s energy independence.