The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike against Dangote Petroleum Refinery following the intervention of the Federal Government, but warned that the suspension remains temporary.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, announced the decision on Wednesday in Abuja after marathon negotiations with government officials and refinery representatives that lasted until the early hours.
The strike, which began on Sunday over alleged anti-union practices at the refinery, disrupted parts of Nigeria’s oil and gas operations before the truce was reached.
Osifo explained that the union bowed to government persuasion “to take the moral high ground,” despite doubts over the sincerity of the Dangote Group. He stressed that the industrial action was rooted in workers’ fundamental rights to freedom of association and fair pay.
“We are only suspending, not calling off this strike,” he declared, warning that any breach of the agreement would lead to an immediate resumption of the industrial action without further notice.
The union leader admitted dissatisfaction with aspects of the communique signed under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour, saying PENGASSAN’s decision was based on respect for government institutions and officials who worked late into the night to broker peace.
“Even with our mutual suspicion that Dangote will not do what is right, the NEC has decided to suspend the strike to show patriotism and prove that we love this country more than any individual,” Osifo said.
The Dangote Refinery, commissioned in 2023 with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has repeatedly clashed with oil sector unions. Its sister union, NUPENG, has also accused the conglomerate of anti-union practices.
ADEOLA KUNLE
