The Federal Government has successfully brokered a truce between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery.
This resolution comes after a two-day conciliation meeting held on September 30 and October 1, 2025. Key stakeholders, including the National Security Adviser, Ministers of Finance, Budget and Economic Planning, and State for Petroleum, alongside representatives from the DSS, NIA, NNPCL, NMDPRA, NUPRC, and labour leaders, attended the meeting.
According to the communiqué issued after the meeting, the management of Dangote Group will immediately begin the process of redeploying the affected workers to other companies within the group without any loss of pay. As stated in the agreement, “The management of Dangote Group shall immediately begin the process of taking the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.” The Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Muhammad Maigari-Dingyadi, emphasized that unionization is a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law and must be respected by the company.
The dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN stemmed from the refinery’s decision to terminate the employment of over 800 workers, which PENGASSAN claimed was unjustified. Dangote Refinery explained that the disengagement of workers was due to an ongoing restructuring exercise in the company. PENGASSAN had directed its members to stop gas supply and withdraw services from the refinery in protest. However, as part of the agreement, “No worker and will be victimised for participating in the dispute between Dangote and PENGASSAN,” ensuring that workers’ rights are protected.
PENGASSAN agreed to commence the process of calling off its strike, while both parties pledged to implement the resolutions in good faith. As stated, “PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike.” The Federal Government’s intervention aims to resolve the issue and ensure a stable supply of refined petroleum products across the country.
The Minister of Labour and Employment emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute amicably, citing the potential impact on the nation’s economy and energy stability. With the truce in place, Nigeria can expect a steady supply of petroleum products, and the dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN can be considered resolved. The agreement also highlights the importance of respecting workers’ rights, as “Unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria and that this right should be respected.”
The Federal Government’s efforts to broker peace between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN demonstrate its commitment to maintaining industrial harmony and promoting economic stability in the country. Both parties have agreed to work towards a mutually beneficial solution, with the understanding that “Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith.”
