The federal government has stepped into the escalating dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), as a nationwide strike aimed at protesting alleged mass dismissals and replacement of Nigerian workers with foreign employees begins.
Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi has appealed for the suspension of the strike, which started yesterday and has disrupted the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), preventing product lifts and other critical operations due to withheld approvals by Dangote management.
PENGASSAN insists the strike will only end with the unconditional reinstatement of all dismissed or transferred union members and calls on the government to halt further replacement of Nigerians with foreigners.
The Ministry of Labour has summoned both parties to mediation talks in Abuja to prevent further damage to Nigeria’s petroleum sector. Minister Dingyadi emphasized the sector’s national importance and warned that ongoing industrial action threatens economic stability and security.
PENGASSAN directed a nationwide withdrawal of services at key oil facilities from 6 a.m. yesterday. General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa vowed the strike would continue until Dangote reinstates affected workers, stressing that the right to unionize is fundamental.
Despite reports of arrests and heightened security around strike zones, union officials say the protest remains active.
The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) backs PENGASSAN, placing affiliates on alert for potential nationwide action if Dangote fails to meet demands. TUC demands a public apology, full reinstatement of sacked workers, and guarantees against retaliation.
Meanwhile, the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) calls for dialogue to avoid disruption that could deepen crude oil losses and strain downstream operations.
Dangote management brands the strike as sabotage aimed at crippling refinery operations and harming Nigerians. The company claims employee dismissals were lawful and tied to operational efficiency, accusing the union of obstructing reforms in the sector.
Dangote challenges PENGASSAN to disclose its audited accounts and uphold corporate responsibility, urging government intervention to safeguard the refinery and national energy security.
