By Olakunle Oke
The looming industrial action that threatened to disrupt operations at Africa’s largest refinery has been averted, following the intervention of the Federal Government in the dispute between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The truce, sealed after two days of intense negotiations, addressed concerns over the disengagement of workers and recognition of union rights, with both sides pledging to implement the resolutions in good faith.
According to a communiqué issued by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, the conciliation meetings were held on Monday, September 29, and Tuesday, September 30, 2025, in Abuja. The sessions followed PENGASSAN’s directive to withdraw services and halt gas supplies to the refinery, citing the alleged termination of over 800 members.
The Federal Government assembled a high-powered delegation to mediate, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi. Also in attendance were the National Security Adviser, the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, the Ministers of State for Budget and Economic Planning, Labour, and Petroleum Resources (Gas), along with the heads of DSS, NIA, NUPRC, NMDPRA, and representatives of NNPC Limited. Leadership of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and PENGASSAN also participated.
While PENGASSAN maintained that the mass disengagement triggered its action, the management of Dangote Refinery explained that the terminations were part of an internal reorganization. After prolonged deliberations, the Minister of Labour emphasized that unionization is a fundamental right under Nigerian law and must be respected.
The agreement reached provides that the affected workers will be re-engaged within other companies under the Dangote Group without loss of pay. It further guarantees that no worker will face victimization for participating in the standoff. In turn, PENGASSAN agreed to commence the process of calling off the strike.
The resolution, signed by Dr. Dingyadi, is seen as critical to averting a wider disruption in Nigeria’s petroleum industry. Analysts note that with the Dangote Refinery being the continent’s largest facility, the breakthrough is expected to stabilize fuel supply and boost investor confidence in the sector.