The Federal Government has appealed to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to reconsider its planned strike over a dispute with Dangote Refinery.
PENGASSAN had directed its members to down tools starting Sunday and ordered a total nationwide shutdown across offices, companies, institutions, and agencies from Monday.
The dispute centers around Dangote Refinery’s alleged anti labour practices and mass dismissal of Nigerian workers. PENGASSAN accuses the refinery of violating Nigeria’s labour laws and international labour conventions. “We have directed our members to down tools and embark on a total nationwide shutdown,” PENGASSAN stated.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has invited both parties to an emergency conciliation meeting in his office on Monday to resolve the dispute. Dingyadi urged PENGASSAN to withdraw its strike declaration, citing potential economic instability and national security concerns.
“We urge PENGASSAN to sheath their swords and allow the conciliation process to take its course,” Dingyadi said. The minister assured that the Federal Government would resolve the dispute amicably and in the national interest.
A strike could lead to heavy revenue losses, increased hardship for Nigerians, and adverse impacts on economic stability and national security. The Dangote Refinery claims the dismissals were part of a reorganisation to improve safety and efficiency.
The refinery refutes allegations of violating labour laws and conventions. “The refinery is committed to operating in accordance with Nigerian laws and international best practices,” a spokesperson said.
The outcome of the conciliation meeting remains to be seen, but the Federal Government is committed to resolving the dispute in the national interest.
