PENGASSAN, DANGOTE RECONCILIATION MEETING CONTINUES TODAY
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By Sunmisola Shodayo
The reconciliation meeting initiated by the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, aimed at addressing the division between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery, is scheduled to proceed today at 2 p.m., as stated in a communiqué from the Head of Media and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia.
“Conciliation meeting between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery continues today, 30 September 2025; Time: 2 pm; Venue: Minister’s Conference Room.”
It is noteworthy that the meeting held on Monday between the PENGASSAN delegation and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery regarding the ongoing industrial dispute culminated in a stalemate. The reconciliation session convened by the Federal Government commenced at approximately 4 p.m. on Monday.
Attended by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, the gathering extended for approximately nine hours, lasting into the early hours of Tuesday.
In light of the impasse, Dingyadi announced that the meeting would reconvene at 2 p.m. on Tuesday to resolve the deadlock. The Federal Government, concerned about the prospective effects of the dispute on the national economy and energy security, had summoned both parties to negotiations following reports of widespread dissatisfaction.
The division arises from allegations by PENGASSAN that Dangote Refinery has undertaken mass transfers and dismissals of union members. Additionally, it is purported that certain Nigerians were replaced with foreign nationals, a claim consistently refuted by the company.
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The session, originally slated for 2 p.m., commenced around 3:50 p.m. due to the delayed arrival of key stakeholders, subsequently entering a closed-door discussion that persisted for several hours.
In his introductory comments, Dingyadi highlighted the seriousness of the matter.
“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 sides to exhibit goodwill in discussions, emphasizing that achieving industrial harmony in the oil and gas sector is crucial at a time when Nigeria relies on the Dangote Refinery to enhance local refining capabilities and diminish dependence on imported petroleum products.
The stalemate indicates heightened tension, with PENGASSAN maintaining that its members will remain off duty until the alleged anti-labour practices are rescinded, while Dangote Refinery asserts that its restructuring efforts are consistent with global best practices.
As the deadlock continues, apprehensions are escalating regarding the potential disruption of operations at the refinery and the subsequent ripple effects on the supply of petroleum products nationwide.
The upcoming round of discussions later today is anticipated to ascertain whether a compromise can be achieved to avert a full-fledged industrial crisis within Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.
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