The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has reaffirmed its commitment to protecting the rights of oil‑sector workers after recent layoffs at Dangote Refinery. Although the union called off a nationwide strike, it vows to continue safeguarding the lives and rights of affected families.
PENGASSAN initially gave the Federal Government the benefit of the doubt in its dispute with Dangote Refinery, acting as a mediator before suspending industrial action. According to President Festus Osifo, the union’s primary objective is to ensure fair treatment for its members. He stressed that PENGASSAN still has the necessary tools for negotiation, discussion and escalation should government interventions fail to produce satisfactory outcomes.
High‑ranking government officials have pledged to intervene and compel Dangote Refinery to honor the dispute’s resolution. Nevertheless, PENGASSAN remains skeptical about the company’s willingness to keep its promises, citing a history of broken agreements. Osifo warned that the union will act if workers are shortchanged, emphasizing that its stance is centered on protecting the welfare of affected families rather than its own interests.
The Ministry of Labour issued a communique aimed at resolving the standoff between Dangote and PENGASSAN. The Association’s National Executive Council (NEC) 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 prioritises 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 recent developments and is prepared to employ all necessary tools to safeguard its members’ rights. The union’s readiness for negotiations is matched by its determination to take decisive action if talks fail to yield fair outcomes. As the situation unfolds, PENGASSAN’s commitment to protecting oil‑sector workers remains unwavering, and the union is closely monitoring the implementation of the government’s assurances.
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