The Federal Government has successfully mediated a resolution in the dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), following two days of intensive conciliation meetings.
A statement issued Wednesday by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed that the impasse was resolved after detailed discussions between both parties.
Key agreements from the meeting included the immediate redeployment of previously disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay. The minister emphasized that unionization is a legal right that must be respected, and no worker would face victimization due to their involvement in the dispute.
PENGASSAN also agreed to begin the process of calling off its strike, with both parties committing to the resolution in good faith.
The government delegation present included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; as well as the Directors-General of the DSS and NIA, Adeola Ajayi and Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed, respectively.
The dispute had escalated after PENGASSAN alleged mass transfers and sackings of union members and the replacement of Nigerian staff with foreign nationals, claims that Dangote Refinery consistently denied. Earlier meetings had ended in a deadlock, prompting federal intervention due to concerns over the potential impact on Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
