The President of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), Festus Osifo, has accused Africa’s richest man, Aliko Dangote, of sabotaging Nigeria’s economy despite being a major beneficiary of the nation’s resources and policies.

Osifo made the remarks on Sunday during an interview on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics while reacting to the escalating row between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The dispute deepened on September 28, 2025, after PENGASSAN directed its members nationwide to withdraw their services following the reported dismissal of at least 800 refinery workers. The union described the action as a direct attack on workers’ rights and freedom of association after employees enrolled en masse into PENGASSAN.

Dangote Refinery management, however, maintains that the sackings were part of an internal restructuring process and has resisted unionisation efforts, sparking accusations of anti-labour practices.

Speaking on the matter, Osifo accused Dangote of undermining the very system that elevated him.

“The person that is sabotaging our economy is Aliko Dangote. The man is who he is today because of Nigeria. Nigeria gave Dangote a single licence to import flour, sugar and salt. Dangote built his refinery with our money; the Nigerian government subsidised FX for him to build the refinery,” Osifo said.

The standoff has raised fresh concerns over industrial harmony in the oil and gas sector, with fears that a prolonged face-off could impact operations at the multibillion-dollar refinery and broader energy stability in the country.