PENGASSAN Suspends Strike After Talks, Warns Dangote Over Agreement Breach
By Joseph Iyaji | Akahi News
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has officially suspended its nationwide strike, following a truce brokered between the union and Dangote Refinery by the federal government. However, the union has issued a strong warning that it would not hesitate to resume industrial action if any part of the agreement is violated.
Why PENGASSAN Called Off the Strike
According to Akahi News, the suspension was announced after an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council in Abuja. PENGASSAN’s president, Festus Osifo, explained that the decision was reached to allow full implementation of the resolutions from the reconciliatory meeting facilitated by the federal government.
The agreement, Akahi News gathered, provides for the reabsorption of sacked refinery workers into other subsidiaries of the Dangote Group, ensuring no loss of pay or benefits.
Warning to Dangote Refinery
Despite the suspension, Osifo made it clear that PENGASSAN remains on alert.
“We are suspending and monitoring closely. Any slip on the part of Dangote, any violation of the communiqué or breach of agreement will not attract any notice. We will immediately resume the strike,” he warned.
Observers told Akahi News that this warning reflects growing mistrust between labour unions and management in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Federal Government’s Intervention
The truce was facilitated by a high-powered government delegation including the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu, and Minister of State for Labour, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
According to Akahi News, the involvement of top security and intelligence chiefs — including the Directors General of the DSS and NIA — underscores how critical the matter was to national stability, especially with fuel supply already under pressure.
Wider Implications for Nigeria’s Economy
Analysts believe the temporary resolution has averted an immediate disruption in fuel supply, which could have worsened inflation and public hardship. However, the episode highlights persistent tensions between Nigeria’s labour unions and private investors in the oil sector.
Akahi News recalls that the federal government previously had to intervene in other labour disputes to prevent economic paralysis, raising questions about the sustainability of industrial relations in critical sectors.
The suspension of the strike brings temporary relief, but the future of industrial harmony between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery depends on strict adherence to the agreement. Any breakdown could plunge the nation back into another round of fuel crisis.
For more updates on labour issues, politics, and Nigeria’s economy, stay connected with Akahi News.
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