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. The agreement follows a two‑day conciliation meeting in Abuja convened to resolve the industrial dispute between the two parties.
The meeting, chaired by Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Muhammad Maigari‑Dingyadi, brought together key stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, the 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. It was prompted by PENGASSAN’s directive for its members to stop gas supply and withdraw services from the refinery after Dangote Refinery allegedly terminated the employment of more than 800 of its members. Dangote explained that the dismissals were part of an ongoing restructuring exercise, but PENGASSAN contested the move, leading to industrial action.
The communiqué issued at the close of the conciliation meeting affirmed that unionisation is a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law and must be respected by the company. The truce averts a potential crisis in the oil and gas sector and underscores the importance of social dialogue in resolving labour disputes and promoting industrial harmony. It also highlights the need for companies to respect workers’ rights to unionise and engage in collective bargaining.
With the dispute resolved, normal operations are expected to resume at Dangote Petroleum Refinery, a critical player in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The refinery’s functioning is vital to the country’s energy security and economic development. The government’s mediation demonstrates its commitment to a stable, conducive business environment, and the outcome is a positive development for the sector and the broader Nigerian economy.
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