The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike after a meeting with the National Security Adviser and the management of Dangote Refinery. PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo announced the suspension at a press conference in Abuja, saying the decision was made in good faith even though some aspects of the resolution remain unsatisfactory.
The dispute stemmed from unresolved labour issues, including allegations that the private refinery illegally dismissed more than 800 Nigerian workers and replaced them with foreign staff. This prompted protests and accusations of labour‑rights violations. In response, PENGASSAN directed its members to cut crude and gas supplies, a move backed by the Trade Union Congress.
Dangote Refinery denied the mass‑sacking claims, arguing that the restructuring was necessary for safety and efficiency and that only a small portion of its 3,000 Nigerian staff were affected. The company accused PENGASSAN of “criminal conduct” for disrupting fuel supply and national revenues.
Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammed Dingyadi confirmed that the industrial dispute had been resolved, emphasizing that unionisation is a legal right that must be respected. He assured that no worker would be victimised for participating in the dispute and announced that the Dangote Group would reassign the over 800 disengaged workers to its subsidiaries without loss of pay.
Osifo warned that PENGASSAN would resume industrial action without notice if Dangote Refinery fails to honour the agreement. The strike suspension follows a court order from Justice Emmanuel Subilim of the National Industrial Court, who granted an interim injunction against the strike due to the risk of irreparable economic harm.
This development provides a temporary resolution to the labour dispute, but PENGASSAN’s readiness to resume action if the agreement is breached underscores the ongoing tensions between the association and Dangote Refinery. As the situation unfolds, the fate of the affected workers and the broader implications for Nigeria’s labour landscape remain uncertain.
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