Abuja, Nigeria – October 1, 2025 — The Federal Government has successfully brokered peace between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), following a two-day conciliation effort aimed at resolving a heated industrial dispute.
The breakthrough was announced early Wednesday in a statement issued by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi. The resolution followed marathon meetings that stretched into the early hours at the Office of the National Security Adviser.
Key resolutions from the meeting include the recognition of unionisation as a fundamental right of workers under Nigerian law. The Dangote Group agreed to immediately begin redeploying recently disengaged staff to other subsidiaries within the conglomerate—without any loss of pay. Furthermore, both parties affirmed that no employee would face retaliation for their involvement in the dispute.
In response to the resolutions, PENGASSAN has agreed to commence the process of calling off its ongoing strike, signaling an end to the impasse that had raised nationwide concerns over economic and energy disruptions.
The dispute originated from allegations by PENGASSAN that the Dangote Refinery had carried out mass dismissals and transfers targeting union members, while also replacing some Nigerian workers with expatriates—claims which the company denied.
The high-level government intervention was prompted by fears over the potential impact of the standoff on Nigeria’s economy and energy security.
Present at the conciliation meetings were key government officials, including:
- National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu
- Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi
- Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun
- Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu
- Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Barr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha
- Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi
- Director-General of the NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed
An earlier meeting on Monday between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery management had ended in a deadlock, necessitating continued talks into Tuesday and culminating in the early Wednesday resolution.
The agreement marks a significant win for industrial relations in Nigeria and underscores the importance of dialogue and legal frameworks in resolving labour disputes.