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FERA Hit Hard at PENGASSAN Over Fraudulent Claims Against Dangote Refinery

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…as independent investigation exonerates Dangote Refinery

The Fair Employment Rights Activists (FERA) has blasted the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over what it described as “fraudulent, mischievous and hypocritical” claims against the $20 billion Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

PENGASSAN had accused the refinery of terminating the jobs of more than 800 Nigerian workers and replacing them with 2,000 undocumented Indians.

But in a statement on Saturday signed by its president, Comrade Ebikeme Adigio, FERA said its independent investigation found no evidence to support the union’s allegations.

“Our fact-finding mission revealed that expatriates at Dangote Refinery are fully documented, properly accredited and engaged for specialised roles,” Adigio said.

“There is no single proof that Nigerian workers were unlawfully replaced. On the contrary, the refinery has directly and indirectly created over one million jobs in less than a year. That is the truth PENGASSAN does not want Nigerians to hear.”

The activist group went further, accusing some union leaders of lacking both the moral and legal right to challenge the operations of an investment that, according to FERA, is delivering where the union failed.

“Osifo and Okugbawa represent the same structure that supervised the waste of over $4 billion on failed Turn Around Maintenance projects at Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna refineries,” Adigio declared.

“For decades, these men and their colleagues stood by while our refineries rotted away, workers were retrenched, and Nigeria bled under subsidy fraud. Now they rise to play saints? It is the height of hypocrisy. As Fela once sang, animals want to teach us human rights.”

The group also alleged that some of union leaders personally benefited from the subsidy era and patronage appointments.

“We all know that Festus Osifo’s children and cronies were comfortably placed in the NNPCL under Mele Kyari’s reign, feeding fat from subsidy fraud, while young Nigerians were forced into menial jobs in Ghana and Togo. Today, the same people want to lecture a refinery that is creating jobs and dismantling their corrupt pipeline of patronage,” Adigio declared.

FERA argued that the real motive behind PENGASSAN’s attacks was to blackmail the Dangote Refinery and protect vested interests.

“What PENGASSAN failed to tell Nigerians is that their agitation is not about the welfare of workers but about losing control over a sector that they had weaponised for decades. Dangote Refinery is not bound to adopt the union’s corrupt style of business-as-usual, and that is what is making them restless,” the group stated.

“They are not fighting for workers. They are fighting for a corrupt system that Dangote Refinery has disrupted. The union collects 3% of every oil worker’s salary in Nigeria, yet has not built one functional refinery, not even a small modular plant. If they truly cared about employment, why not buy the moribund Port Harcourt refinery and prove they can manage it?”

On the contrary, FERA said Dangote Refinery has proven its commitment to workers and to Nigeria’s economy. It cited the rollout of 8,000 compressed natural gas buses, which it said instantly generated 16,000 jobs in a single day, as well as its broader impact across supply chains.

“The Dangote Refinery should be celebrated, not vilified. It is fighting for the poor, ensuring we are no longer held hostage by subsidy cartels, and creating jobs at a scale Nigeria has never witnessed. PENGASSAN’s lies will not erase these facts,” Adigio said.

The group also rejected the union’s threat to cut gas and crude supply to the refinery, describing it as “nothing short of economic sabotage.”

“It is reckless for a union that squandered decades of goodwill to now threaten to strangle a national asset. This is not unionism; it is sabotage. Nigerians will not allow PENGASSAN to destroy what they never built,” the statement added.

FERA urged government and regulators to resist PENGASSAN’s “blackmail and lies” and protect the refinery from vested interests.

“The truth is simple: PENGASSAN is angry because the party is over. Thanks to President Bola Tinubu, that corrupt regime has ended,” the statement added.

“If PENGASSAN is genuinely concerned about workers’ welfare, let them buy up the moribund Kaduna, Warri and Port Harcourt refineries, make them work, and employ as many Nigerians as they want. Until then, they should stop blackmailing an investor who is doing what government and unions failed to do for decades.”

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Pumpkin Property Introduces Nigeria’s First Starlink-Powered Housing Initiative

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Pumpkin Property, a fast-growing real estate development firm committed to creating modern, affordable, and sustainable housing solutions across Nigeria, has announced a groundbreaking initiative that integrates high-speed satellite internet into its housing projects, redefining modern living standards in the country.

Under this initiative, homebuyers in selected Pumpkin Property estates will receive Starlink hardware, professional installation, and three months of complimentary high-speed internet subscription upon purchasing a home.

The initiative will initially be available in Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate located within Millennium City, Kaduna, as well as Pumpkin Homes located in Karsana, Abuja.

Pumpkin Property focuses on developing well-planned residential communities supported by essential infrastructure—including road networks, drainage systems, street lighting, and modern utilities—while embracing innovative technology that enhances residents’ quality of life.

To support the rollout of this initiative, Pumpkin Property has entered into a collaboration agreement with Konga Online Nigeria Limited for the supply, installation, and technical support of Starlink hardware and related connectivity products across Pumpkin housing projects and real estate developments in Nigeria.

In addition, Pumpkin Property has partnered with TD Africa, an authorized distributor of Starlink solutions in Africa. Through this partnership, Pumpkin Property will have direct access to the latest Starlink hardware, including Starlink kits and accessories, ensuring reliable deployment within its estates.

Starlink, the satellite internet constellation developed by SpaceX, delivers high-speed broadband connectivity through a network of low-Earth orbit satellites. The technology expands access to reliable internet in regions where traditional fibre or terrestrial infrastructure remains limited. As Elon Musk explained:

“Starlink is designed to provide high-speed, low-latency broadband internet to places where access has been unreliable, expensive, or completely unavailable.”

Speaking on the initiative, the CEO of Pumpkin Holdings Limited, Mr Oladeji Bamidele, emphasized the growing importance of digital infrastructure in modern housing developments.

“Connectivity has become as essential as electricity and water in modern communities. By integrating Starlink technology into our housing developments, we are ensuring that our homeowners enjoy reliable high-speed internet from the moment they move in. This initiative reflects our commitment to building future-ready communities across Nigeria.”

By integrating satellite connectivity into its housing projects, Pumpkin Property is positioning itself at the forefront of technology-enabled real estate development in Nigeria, setting a new benchmark for smart living communities.

Prospective homeowners and investors interested in the Starlink-powered homes at Prime Living Estate and Prime View Estate in Millennium City, Kaduna, and Pumpkin Homes in Karsana, Abuja, are encouraged to contact Pumpkin Property for further information on availability and purchase options.

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Safety First: Transcorp Hilton Abuja Stages Fire Drill

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Transcorp Hilton Abuja has conducted its first-quarter unannounced fire drill simulation as part of efforts to strengthen safety measures and emergency preparedness within the facility.

The exercise, which took place on 19th February 2026, was carried out in collaboration with the Federal Fire Service. The simulation forms part of the hotel’s structured safety programme aimed at ensuring a high level of emergency readiness and effective coordination with relevant authorities.

Management of the hotel said the initiative underscores its unwavering commitment to the safety and well-being of guests and team members.

“We successfully carried out our Q1 unannounced fire drill simulation with the support of the Nigeria Fire Service. This exercise forms part of our structured safety programme, designed to ensure a high level of emergency preparedness and effective coordination with relevant authorities,” the management stated.

The drill comes shortly after the hotel hosted its Valentine’s Day weekend promotion across its rooms and restaurants. The celebration, characterised by romance, entertainment and vibrant experiences, was warmly received by guests.

As preparations begin for the Holy Month of Ramadan, the management reassured guests of a safe, serene and memorable stay.

“We appreciate the understanding of our guests and apologise for any inconvenience the exercise may have caused,” the management added.

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NIA trains underwriters on NIIRA 2025, container insurance

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The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) has commenced a two-day training workshop for underwriters on the Nigerian Insurance Industry Reform Act (NIIRA) 2025.

According to a statement from NIA, the training is focused on Sections 75 and 76, as well as the Compulsory Container Insurance scheme.

The workshop, which began on Thursday, is scheduled to end on Friday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that no fewer than 40 underwriters involved in container insurance, were participating in the training held at the Insurers House, Victoria Island, Lagos.

At the opening of the workshop, Director-General of the NIA, Mrs Bola Odukale, said that insurance remained a critical pillar of national development and economic stability.

Odukale noted that a well-regulated and legally backed insurance industry, was essential for economic growth, investor confidence and the protection of the public.

She urged participants to engage actively in the sessions, adding that the training would strengthen professional capacity and improve effective implementation of compulsory insurance provisions for the overall benefit of the economy.

NAN reports that facilitators at the workshop include: Mrs Margaret Ogbonnah, Director at the Nigerian Shippers’ Council; Mr Soji Oni, Controller 1, Technical, NIA, Mr Owolabi Longe, Chief Executive Officer of Ironlink Communications, among others. 

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