Business magnate Femi Otedola has reacted to recent remarks reportedly made by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) concerning the operations of the Dangote Refinery.

In a statement that sparked online discussions, Otedola criticised what he described as undue interference by the union in a privately owned enterprise. He suggested that if the association was dissatisfied with the management or policies of the refinery, it was free to establish its own facility and operate it as it pleased.

According to him, the Dangote Refinery — a $20 billion project built through private investment and risk — should not be subjected to political or union-driven disruptions. He emphasised that regulatory oversight of such projects lies with the Federal Ministry of Petroleum Resources and other relevant government agencies, not with labour unions.

PENGASSAN had earlier expressed concerns about certain operational and labour-related issues surrounding the refinery. The association maintained that its involvement was aimed at protecting the interests of oil and gas workers in Nigeria and ensuring fair practices across the industry.

However, Otedola’s response has reignited debates about the roles of trade unions in privately owned projects, with many Nigerians expressing divergent views on social media. While some agree with Otedola that unions should not interfere with private investments, others insist that labour organisations have a duty to monitor industry standards and defend workers’ rights regardless of ownership.

The Dangote Refinery, located in the Lekki Free Zone, Lagos, is one of the largest refineries in the world.