Strike Suspended as FG Brokers Truce Between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN

The nationwide strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has been suspended following a truce brokered by the Federal Government between the union and the management of Dangote Refinery.

The industrial action, which began after Dangote Refinery dismissed more than 800 workers, had threatened to paralyse crude and gas supply across the country. PENGASSAN accused the refinery of sacking staff for attempting to unionise, while Dangote management insisted the move was part of a reorganisation, alleging sabotage by some employees.

Following days of tension and disruption warnings, the Ministry of Labour convened a conciliation meeting involving both parties. At the end of the talks, a resolution was reached to reinstate or reassign the affected workers within the Dangote Group without loss of pay. The agreement also provided that no employee would be victimised for participating in the dispute.

Confirming the truce, the union said it had begun formal steps to suspend its strike, while government officials assured that monitoring mechanisms would be put in place to ensure compliance with the terms.

The strike had raised fears of nationwide fuel shortages and economic disruptions, given the strategic role of Dangote Refinery in Nigeria’s energy sector. Analysts say the agreement represents a temporary relief for the oil and gas industry, but also underscores the importance of clear labour relations in private sector-led projects of national importance.

With the strike suspended, attention will now shift to how faithfully the resolution is implemented. Labour watchers note that the handling of this dispute may set a precedent for future negotiations between unions and private operators in Nigeria’s critical oil and gas industry.