The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, has suspended its nationwide strike against the Dangote Petroleum Refinery following the intervention of the Federal Government.
The industrial action, which began on Sunday over alleged anti-union practices at the refinery, disrupted operations across Nigeria’s oil and gas sector before the truce was reached in the early hours of Wednesday.
Speaking at a press conference in Abuja, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, confirmed that the union agreed to halt the strike after marathon negotiations with government officials and representatives of the refinery.
“We are only suspending, not calling off this strike,” Osifo declared. “If any part of this agreement is broken, we will not give any warning. We will immediately resume our suspended industrial action.”
Osifo stressed that the union bowed to government persuasion despite doubts about the sincerity of the Dangote Group in honoring the agreement.
“Yes, we understand that Dangote does not respect the rules of engagement,” he said. “We truly don’t believe that he will keep to his own side of the bargain. But because we have respect for institutions, for government, and for processes, the NEC has decided to listen to them.”
The PENGASSAN leader emphasized that the dispute centers on the workers’ right to unionize and demand fair pay. “This industrial action is rooted in the fundamental right of workers to freedom of association. Our members joined the union to secure better welfare and fair treatment,” he noted.
Although a communique was signed under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour, Osifo revealed the union remained dissatisfied with parts of the document. “We will be monitoring closely. If there is any slip, we will not hesitate to return to action,” he warned.
Commissioned in 2023 with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the Dangote Refinery has faced recurring clashes with sector unions. Its sister union, NUPENG, has also accused the conglomerate of anti-union practices.
The suspension, Osifo explained, was taken “to prove to the government that we are extremely patriotic people who love this country more than any single individual.”
