The Stand-Up South South Security Group has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to invest members’ check-off dues in developing a private refinery.

In a statement signed by its national secretary, Comrade Endurance Ukutegbere, the group said the proposal became necessary following the recent disagreement between the two unions and the management of Dangote Refinery over unionisation and the payment of workers’ dues.

Ukutegbere noted that since their establishment in the late 1970s, both unions have generated substantial check-off contributions that could be used to finance a refinery project jointly owned by them.

He also accused some union members involved in maintaining NNPCL refineries of contributing to their continued non-performance, calling on the federal government to take action against anyone sabotaging refinery operations.

The group advised PENGASSAN and NUPENG to seek refinery licences from the federal government and consider siting their facility in the Niger Delta, where it would create jobs, strengthen the economy, and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel.

Commending Nigerians who have built modular refineries—particularly Aliko Dangote for his investment in the Lagos-based facility—the group expressed confidence that both unions could replicate such efforts.

Rather than prolonging disputes with Dangote Refinery, the group urged the unions to channel their energy toward pressing the government to revive the Port Harcourt, Warri, and Kaduna refineries.

It further appealed to citizens across all backgrounds to unite in rebuilding the country and securing a better future for generations to come.