PENGASSAN, DANGOTE RECONCILIATION MEETING ENDS IN DEADLOCK
Read Time:2 Minute, 3 Second
By Sunmisola Shodayo
The conference involving the delegation from the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association and the administration of the Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding the ongoing industrial conflict concluded without agreement.
The mediation session, convened by the Federal Government, commenced at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday.
This meeting, which was attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, along with the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, continued for around nine hours into the early hours of Tuesday.
In light of the impasse, Dingyadi announced that the meeting would reconvene to address the deadlock at 2 p.m. on Tuesday.
The Federal Government, concerned about the potential repercussions of the dispute on the nation’s economy and energy security, had invited both parties to negotiations following reports of widespread dissatisfaction.
The discord originates from claims made by PENGASSAN that Dangote Refinery has engaged in the mass transfer and termination of union members.
Additionally, there are allegations that some Nigerians have been replaced by foreign workers, a claim that the company has consistently refuted.
The session, initially set for 2 p.m., commenced at approximately 3:50 p.m. due to the delayed arrival of key stakeholders, before transitioning into a confidential discussion that extended for several hours.
READ ALSO:
In his introductory comments, Dingyadi highlighted the seriousness of the situation.
“What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike,” he stated.
The minister urged both parties to act in good faith during discussions, emphasizing that maintaining industrial harmony in the oil and gas sector is crucial at a time when Nigeria is relying on the Dangote Refinery to enhance local refining capabilities and decrease reliance on imported petroleum products.
The impasse signifies elevated tensions, with PENGASSAN insisting that its members will not return to work until alleged anti-labor practices are rescinded, while Dangote Refinery asserts that its restructuring efforts conform to global best practices.
As the deadlock persists, anxieties are increasing regarding the potential disruption of operations at the refinery and the subsequent impact on petroleum product availability nationwide.
The forthcoming round of discussions later today is anticipated to determine if a resolution can be achieved to prevent a full-scale industrial crisis within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
Happy
0 %
Sad
0 %
Excited
0 %
Sleepy
0 %
Angry
0 %
Surprise
0 %
0
0