The Federal Government has appealed to the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to reconsider its planned nationwide work stoppage set to begin Monday, amid a dispute with Dangote Refinery involving alleged unfair labor practices and mass layoffs.
Labour and Employment Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi disclosed on Sunday that his ministry is actively facilitating negotiations between PENGASSAN leaders and Dangote Refinery management.
According to a statement by Patience Onuobia, the ministry’s Head of Information and Public Relations, invitations have been sent to both parties to attend an urgent meeting scheduled for Monday in Abuja aimed at resolving the conflict peacefully.
The Minister urged PENGASSAN to retract its strike notice to allow a conducive atmosphere for conciliation. He emphasized the importance of dialogue and mutual respect, assuring that the Federal Government is committed to reaching a fair resolution that satisfies all stakeholders and preserves national interest.
The conflict intensified following the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by the refinery, which PENGASSAN described as a breach of workers’ rights and a worrisome precedent in industrial relations. The union has called for a nationwide service withdrawal as a protest against these actions.
With talks set to commence on Monday, hopes remain high for an amicable settlement that restores stability and protects the rights of workers at Dangote Refinery.
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