Dangote Refinery Dispute: PENGASSAN Suspends Strike After FG Intervention
Dangote Refinery Dispute: PENGASSAN Suspends Strike After FG Intervention
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following the intervention of the Federal Government. However, the union has emphasised that the suspension remains temporary, warning that it would resume industrial action without notice if any part of the agreement is breached.
FG Steps in to Broker Peace
According to Akahi News findings, the truce was reached after marathon negotiations in Abuja between PENGASSAN leadership, representatives of the Dangote Refinery, and senior government officials under the Ministry of Labour. The discussions reportedly stretched into the early hours of Wednesday.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, told journalists that the association decided to “take the moral high ground” by honouring the Federal Government’s persuasion despite its deep scepticism about the sincerity of the Dangote Group.
“We are only suspending, not calling off this strike. If any part of this agreement is broken, we will not give any warning. We will immediately resume our suspended industrial action,” Osifo declared.
Union’s Concerns Over Workers’ Rights
The industrial action, which commenced on Sunday, was triggered by alleged anti-union practices at the 650,000 barrels per day capacity refinery, commissioned in 2023. PENGASSAN insists the core of the dispute revolves around workers’ fundamental rights to freedom of association and fair pay.
Osifo stressed that the communique signed under government supervision fell short of the union’s expectations. He accused the Dangote Group of consistently undermining union rights, citing similar disputes with NUPENG in the past.
Akahi News gathered that the NEC of PENGASSAN reluctantly agreed to suspend the strike out of respect for government institutions and officials who worked late into the night to resolve the standoff.
Dangote Group Under Scrutiny
While the Federal Government’s intervention has temporarily doused tensions, the union leadership made it clear that its members do not trust Dangote to fully implement the terms of the agreement.
“We don’t believe Dangote will live up to expectations. But because we respect institutions and government, we will suspend the action. If he fails again, we won’t hesitate to resume immediately,” Osifo said.
This latest clash adds to recurring disputes between labour unions and Dangote Industries, with critics accusing the conglomerate of prioritising corporate dominance over fair labour practices.
What This Means for Nigeria’s Oil Sector
Observers told Akahi News that the suspension of the strike is a relief to the nation’s energy supply chain, which had already begun to feel disruptions. However, analysts caution that unless both parties build genuine trust, Nigeria could face further instability in its oil and gas sector.
With the refinery seen as a potential game-changer in reducing Nigeria’s dependence on imported fuel, continued labour disputes risk undermining its strategic importance.
Akahi News will continue to monitor developments as both parties move to implement the fragile truce.
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