FG Brokers Truce in Dangote–PENGASSAN Dispute
The Federal Government has successfully resolved the industrial dispute between the Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), following two days of high-level conciliation meetings.
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A statement issued early Wednesday by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed that the impasse was settled after marathon discussions involving key government officials and representatives of both parties.
According to the minister, the agreements reached include the recognition of workers’ rights to unionise in line with Nigerian labour laws, and the commitment by Dangote Group to immediately redeploy all disengaged staff to other subsidiaries within the conglomerate without any loss of pay.
“No worker will be victimised as a result of their role in the dispute,” the statement read, adding that PENGASSAN had agreed to commence the process of calling off its strike action.
The government delegation at the talks comprised the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi; and the Director-General of the NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.
Earlier negotiations on Monday had ended in a stalemate after stretching late into the night, prompting Dingyadi to adjourn the session to Tuesday. The resumed meeting, held at the Office of the National Security Adviser, extended into the early hours of Wednesday before the breakthrough was reached.
The standoff originated from PENGASSAN’s allegations that Dangote Refinery had carried out mass transfers and dismissals of union members, while also replacing some Nigerian staff with expatriates — accusations the company consistently denied.
The Federal Government intervened out of concern that the dispute could undermine the country’s economic stability and energy security.
By PRNigeria
