After days of industrial unrest caused by a nationwide strike, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its strike action targeting the Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This development followed extensive government-led negotiations involving the Ministry of Labour and other federal agencies.
PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo disclosed at a press briefing in Abuja that despite serious reservations about Dangote Group’s commitment to honoring the terms of the recent agreement, the union chose to suspend the strike in deference to government mediation efforts. Osifo warned, “If any part of this agreement is broken, we will not give any warning. We will immediately resume our suspended industrial action.”
The strike had erupted due to alleged unfair labour practices, including the dismissal of union members and anti-union policies at the refinery. The refinery, which boasts a processing throughput capacity of 650,000 barrels per day since its commissioning in 2023, has previously experienced industrial disputes affecting Nigeria’s oil production stability.
The Federal Government’s mediation secured a breakthrough, mandating the reinstatement or redeployment of sacked workers within the Dangote Group and protecting workers’ rights to unionize without victimization. Minister of Labour Dr. Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi underscored that unionization is a lawful and protected right in Nigeria.
PENGASSAN’s leadership stressed that the temporary truce hinges on Dangote’s compliance and that the union remains vigilant to ensure the welfare and fair treatment of its members.