The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of oil sector workers, following recent layoffs at Dangote Refinery. Despite calling off a nationwide strike, the union vows to continue its efforts to safeguard the lives and rights of affected families.
PENGASSAN had initially given the Federal Government the benefit of the doubt in its dispute with Dangote Refinery, serving as a middleman before suspending the industrial action. According to PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, the union’s primary objective is to ensure fair treatment for its members. Osifo stressed that PENGASSAN still possesses the necessary tools for negotiation, discussion, and escalation, should government interventions fail to yield satisfactory outcomes.
The union received assurances from high-ranking government officials, who pledged to intervene and compel Dangote Refinery to do what is right in settling the dispute. However, PENGASSAN remains skeptical about Dangote’s willingness to honor the meeting’s resolutions, citing a history of broken agreements. Osifo warned that the union will take action if workers are shortchanged, emphasizing that the union’s stance is centered on protecting the welfare of affected families, rather than its own interests.
The Ministry of Labour had issued a communique aimed at resolving the standoff between Dangote and PENGASSAN. The National Executive Council (NEC) of the Association has resolved to give the government time to enforce the assurances, but will not hesitate to escalate the matter if there is no meaningful redress. Osifo reiterated that PENGASSAN prioritizes the welfare of affected families and will use every available instrument to protect its members, should negotiations collapse.
With nearly 50 years of experience, PENGASSAN remains unperturbed by the developments and is prepared to employ all necessary tools to safeguard the rights of its members. The union’s readiness for negotiations is matched by its determination to take decisive action, should talks fail to yield fair outcomes. As the situation unfolds, PENGASSAN’s commitment to protecting the rights of oil sector workers remains unwavering, with the union closely monitoring the implementation of the government’s assurances.
