FG Begs PENGASSAN Not To Embark On Strike Over Dangote Refinery Sack Dispute

The Federal Government has urged the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to call off its planned nationwide strike over the ongoing dispute with the Dangote Refinery.

PENGASSAN had directed its members across the country to stop work from midnight on September 28, protesting the alleged dismissal of Nigerian staff by Dangote refinery.

The union also accused the company of unfair labour practices and discriminating against local employees, sparking government intervention.

Reacting in a statement on Sunday in Abuja, the Labour and Employment Minister, Muhammad Dingyadi, explained that steps were already being taken to resolve the conflict, adding that both sides had been invited for a conciliation meeting scheduled for Monday at his office.

He stressed that the petroleum sector is central to Nigeria’s economy, warning that a strike would cause huge revenue losses, disrupt economic stability, and place additional hardship on citizens.

“The Ministry of Labour and Employment, through the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, has extended invitations to the leadership of PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to attend a conciliation meeting in my office on Monday.

“I appeal to both parties to be mindful of the importance of the petroleum sector to the country, being the core of her economy.

“A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses but also cause hardship for Nigerians. Its impact on economic stability and national security cannot be underestimated,” he added.

The minister therefore appealed to the union to suspend its strike notice to allow dialogue to proceed peacefully.

Meanwhile, the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has demanded the immediate reinstatement of the workers said to have been dismissed by Dangote Refinery.

KanyiDaily recalls that Dangote refinery had claimed the employees were fired for sabotage, but union leaders insist they were victimised for joining PENGASSAN.

TUC Secretary General, Nuhu Toro, in a statement released in Abuja on Sunday, described the refinery’s actions as unconstitutional and a violation of workers’ rights.

“The dismissal of workers simply for exercising their constitutional right to freedom of association is a gross violation of Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and Nigeria’s obligations under ILO conventions,” he said.

He pointed out that sacking employees for exercising their right to freedom of association breaches Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution and international labour standards under ILO conventions.

Toro declared TUC’s full support for PENGASSAN and the affected staff, warning that affiliates had been placed on alert in case wider action became necessary.

“No corporation, regardless of its size or wealth, will be allowed to trample on the dignity and rights of Nigerian workers,” he added.

He also demanded a public apology from the refinery management and firm guarantees that such treatment of workers would not happen again.

Toro further called for an independent investigation involving the Labour Ministry, ILO, and other stakeholders to review the company’s labour practices.

He warned that the congress was ready to mobilise for a nationwide strike if its demands were ignored.

KanyiDaily recalls that NUPENG had previously threatened to embark on a strike over the seeming cold war between them and the management of the Dangote refinery.