PENGASSAN Suspends Strike After FG Brokers Peace with Dangote Group

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its industrial action following a breakthrough in negotiations facilitated by the Federal Government between the oil and gas workers’ union and the Dangote Group.

Speaking at a press briefing, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, disclosed that the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) convened an emergency meeting where it was unanimously agreed to suspend the strike. According to him, the decision was taken to allow the process of absorbing sacked Dangote refinery workers to begin as agreed by all parties, and as a mark of respect for the government’s role in brokering peace.

“The Federal Government has demonstrated commitment and tenacity in resolving this dispute, and in that spirit, we have resolved to suspend our industrial action,” Osifo said.

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, in a statement, confirmed that the matter had been amicably resolved. He explained that the Dangote Group had accepted unionization of its workforce and agreed to absorb the disengaged refinery staff into other subsidiaries of the conglomerate without any loss of pay.

“No worker will be victimized as a result of their involvement in the dispute between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Group,” the minister assured.

The government delegation that facilitated the peace deal included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi; and Director-General of the NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

The resolution of the impasse is expected to restore industrial harmony in the oil and gas sector and safeguard ongoing operations at the $20 billion Dangote Refinery.