Aliko Dangote's refinery empire fired back at the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria over the weekend, branding the union a "serial saboteur" of the oil sector after PENGASSAN ordered a nationwide service withdrawal starting Monday in protest of nearly 800 dismissals, a standoff now drawing federal mediators to avert fuel and power chaos.

The union's directive targets crude and gas supplies to the Dangote facility, citing the sackings as retaliation for staff unionizing, though the refinery insists the move protects Nigerians from oligarch-driven disruptions.

In a pointed statement, Dangote management recounted PENGASSAN's alleged blocks on a 2007 refinery privatization, a "scam" Port Harcourt rehab celebration, and Petroleum Industry Act tweaks, while questioning the union's handling of billions in dues amid leaders' opulence.

PENGASSAN, representing senior oil and gas workers, maintains the firings violate labor rights and demands immediate reinstatements, with the Trade Union Congress echoing calls for sacked employees' return.

The rift risks rippling into blackouts, as gas plants reliant on Dangote supplies warn of shutdowns, and fuel queues could spike nationwide.

Labour Minister Maigari Dingyadi summoned both camps to Abuja Monday for conciliation, pleading with PENGASSAN to pause the action: "A strike will... cause more hardship... and have adverse impacts on economic stability and national security." He stressed the petroleum sector's lifeline role, urging dialogue over deadlock.