FG resolves PENGASSAN–Dangote dispute, sacked workers to be redeployed to subsidiaries

After two days of tense negotiations, the Federal Government has secured an agreement between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery over the sacking of more than 800 workers.

The union had earlier directed its members to halt gas supply and withdraw services at the refinery, accusing the company of unlawful termination of employment.

However, Dangote Group defended the move as part of an ongoing reorganization exercise.

The conciliation meetings, convened by Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi, drew top government officials including the National Security Adviser, Finance Minister, heads of NNPC Ltd, NUPRC, NMDPRA, DSS, and representatives of the TUC and PENGASSAN.

At the meeting, Dingyadi reaffirmed that the right of workers to unionize is protected under Nigerian law, stressing that no employer has the authority to undermine it.

Following lengthy deliberations, all parties agreed that the disengaged workers would be redeployed within other Dangote subsidiaries without loss of pay, and no employee would face victimisation over the dispute.

PENGASSAN, in turn, committed to beginning the process of calling off the strike.

A joint communiqué signed by both sides captured the resolutions, affirming respect for workers’ rights, redeployment of affected staff, and restoration of industrial harmony.