In a critical move to defuse escalating tensions within Nigeria’s oil industry, the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) suspended its strike against Dangote Petroleum Refinery after the Federal Government intervened for reconciliation.
This strike had disrupted vital refinery operations since Sunday over allegations of union-busting and unfair dismissals.Union President Festus Osifo revealed that the decision to suspend the industrial action was contentious but made out of respect for government-led conflict resolution. He cautioned that the suspension is conditional; any breach by the refinery would prompt an immediate resumption of strike activities. Osifo highlighted that the labor dispute fundamentally revolves around workers’ constitutionally guaranteed right to freedom of association and equitable pay benefits.
The refinery, launched in 2023 with a capacity to process 650,000 barrels per day, has faced multiple labor conflicts previously. The recent strike triggered widespread interruptions in gas and crude supplies critical to the refinery's operation, affecting Nigeria's oil sector stability.Mediation by the Federal Government saw the Dangote Group agree to redeploy affected workers to other subsidiaries without pay cuts and assured no victimization of union members.
Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi led the conciliation talks, emphasizing respect for Nigeria’s labor laws and union rights.PENGASSAN members now watch vigilantly, ready to take further industrial action if the refinery management fails to meet the agreed terms.
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