Labour Ministry Moves to Stop Escalation of Industrial Dispute
The Federal Government has summoned the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery to an emergency meeting in Abuja following the union’s nationwide strike directive.
The intervention comes amid mounting fears that the industrial action could trigger heavy revenue losses, energy supply disruptions, and wider economic instability if not quickly resolved.
Government Appeals for Calm
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, said the conciliation meeting would take place at the ministry’s headquarters on Monday.
According to a statement by Ministry spokesperson Patience Onuobia, Dingyadi appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend its strike in the interest of the economy:
“A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country but also cause more hardship and difficulties for Nigerians. Consequentially, it will have adverse impacts both on economic stability and national security,” he said.
The minister urged both sides to approach the talks with an open mind and allow the ministry to conciliate the dispute “in a peaceful atmosphere.”
The Dispute: Sack of 800 Workers
The crisis escalated on Sunday after PENGASSAN ordered its members to withdraw services nationwide over the alleged dismissal of at least 800 workers at Dangote Refinery for joining the union.
In a circular issued after its National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, the union alleged that sacked Nigerian workers had been replaced with expatriates, describing the move as an affront to labour rights and national interest.
The union also directed members across oil and gas companies to halt crude and gas supply to the refinery.
Dangote’s Position
Dangote Refinery has denied carrying out a mass layoff, insisting that only a small number of employees were affected by an internal reorganisation aimed at improving efficiency and addressing sabotage. The company maintains that over 3,000 Nigerians remain in its workforce.
What Is at Stake
The refinery, commissioned to process 650,000 barrels of crude per day, is central to Nigeria’s plans to reduce fuel imports and stabilise foreign exchange outflows. Analysts warn that prolonged industrial action could:
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Disrupt supply to the refinery and downstream markets.
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Undermine government revenue from crude and refined products.
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Create pressure on fuel availability and prices nationwide.
The Federal Government is expected to press for a compromise to avoid a strike that could destabilise the already fragile economy.