The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has drawn the ire of Nigerians after threatening to cut gas supply to the Dangote Refinery, a move many citizens see as an attack on one of the few bright spots in the country’s troubled energy sector.

The clash stems from claims that Dangote Refinery recently dismissed workers shortly after they attempted to unionise. The company has denied the allegation, stressing that more than 3,000 Nigerians are still on its payroll and that no effort has been made to frustrate staff from joining unions.

Despite the denial, PENGASSAN responded by vowing to flex its influence against the refinery — a threat that has triggered a wave of backlash online. Nigerians across social media accused the union of selfishness and sabotage, warning that ordinary citizens should not be made to suffer over power struggles in the oil and gas sector.

On X (formerly Twitter), hashtags around the refinery and PENGASSAN trended for hours as users expressed anger through sarcasm, sharp commentary, and open frustration. Many argued that unions have historically done little to ease fuel crises or improve workers’ welfare, yet are quick to block reforms that weaken their grip on the industry.

Some users challenged the union to invest in refining capacity instead of obstructing Dangote’s project, which has delivered hope of cheaper and more stable fuel supply for Nigerians since it began operations. Others flatly described the move as sabotage, saying PENGASSAN’s action exposes it as a barrier to progress.

Government authorities, including the Ministry of Labour and the Department of State Services (DSS), are reportedly monitoring the dispute and may step in to mediate.

For now, the message from Nigerians is loud and clear: they want affordable fuel, reliable supply, and an end to actions that put vested interests ahead of national progress.