Amanze Chinonye
The Federal Government has brokered peace between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery, leading to the suspension of the union’s nationwide strike.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed the truce in Abuja on Wednesday, following days of marathon negotiations involving government officials, PENGASSAN leaders, and Dangote Industries Limited.
The strike, which began on Monday, September 29, shut down operations at the $20 billion refinery and partially disrupted fertilizer production. PENGASSAN accused the company of poor labour practices, wage disparities, and attempts to undermine union activities.
Join our WhatsApp ChannelA communique issued after the two-day conciliation meeting stated: “Unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that right should be respected. The management of Dangote shall immediately start the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.
No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.”
The meeting began on Monday, September 29, at the Ministry of Labour and Employment and continued the next day at the Office of the National Security Adviser. It was attended by senior government officials, including the Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), as well as heads of the DSS, NIA, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and representatives of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.
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PENGASSAN confirmed the strike suspension but issued a warning: “We will not hesitate to resume industrial action if these commitments are not honoured. Workers’ rights and welfare are not negotiable.”
The Dangote Group welcomed the deal, saying in a statement: “As an organisation, we are committed to maintaining the highest standards of corporate governance, employee welfare, and operational excellence. The resolution reached is a testament to our shared commitment to the success of the refinery project and the progress of Nigeria.”
Analysts described the development as a major relief for the oil and gas sector. Dr. Hassan Bamidele, an energy economist, said: “The Dangote Refinery is too strategic to Nigeria’s economy to be caught in prolonged industrial disputes. Government must ensure that the terms of agreement are fully implemented to prevent future breakdowns.”
The Dangote Refinery, Africa’s largest single-train facility, is considered critical to Nigeria’s energy independence. Its smooth operation is expected to end decades of dependence on imported fuel.
For President Tinubu’s administration, the breakthrough averts a potentially damaging crisis. It also sends a signal to foreign investors that Nigeria can manage labour disputes in key industries through dialogue.
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