The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals, following a new agreement brokered by the National Security Adviser (NSA), Nuhu Ribadu. The strike was initially called over the dismissal of over 800 workers from the Dangote Refinery, who allegedly joined PENGASSAN.
“We have suspended the industrial action. And in good faith, as a demonstration to the government that we respect institutions, as a demonstration to the government that we are extremely patient. But this suspended action will come back if there is a breach of the agreement,” PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said addressing the media on Wednesday October 1.
Dangote Group will reabsorb the over 800 staff who were dismissed for joining PENGASSAN, without loss of pay. No worker will be victimized arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN. Dangote Refinery has agreed to recognize and respect workers’ right to unionize.
PENGASSAN has suspended the strike temporarily, but warned that it will resume immediately if Dangote Refinery fails to honor the agreement. The union will closely monitor the implementation of the agreement and take swift action if any terms are breached.
The Federal Government intervened in the dispute, moving the meeting from the Ministry of Labour to the Office of the NSA, where both parties agreed to a truce. The government’s mediation team included the Minister of Labour, NSA, and other stakeholders.
