The Federal Government of Nigeria has successfully brokered a truce between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery. This development comes after a two-day conciliation meeting in Abuja, which was convened to address the industrial dispute between the two parties.
According to a statement issued by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari-Dingyadi, the meeting brought together key stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and State for Petroleum (Gas), as well as representatives from the DSS, NIA, NNPCL, NMDPRA, NUPRC, and labour leaders. The conciliation meeting was prompted by PENGASSAN’s directive to its members to stop gas supply and withdraw services from the refinery, following the alleged termination of employment of over 800 of its members by Dangote Refinery.
Dangote Refinery had explained that the disengagement of workers was part of an ongoing restructuring exercise in the company. However, PENGASSAN had contested this move, leading to the industrial action. The communiqué issued at the end of the conciliation meeting resolved that unionisation is a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law and must be respected by the company.
The successful brokering of the truce is significant, as it averts a potential crisis in the oil and gas sector. The Nigerian government’s intervention highlights the importance of social dialogue in resolving labour disputes and promoting industrial harmony. The agreement also underscores the need for companies to respect the rights of workers to unionise and engage in collective bargaining.
The truce is expected to lead to the restoration of normal operations at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, which is a critical player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The refinery’s operations are crucial to the country’s energy security and economic development. With the dispute resolved, the focus can now shift to ensuring the smooth operation of the refinery and the overall growth of the sector.
The Nigerian government’s role in mediating the dispute demonstrates its commitment to promoting a stable and conducive business environment. The outcome of the conciliation meeting is a positive development for the oil and gas sector, and it is expected to have a positive impact on the Nigerian economy as a whole.
