The federal government has failed in its attempt to mediate the face-off between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) over the sacking of 800 workers.
Rising from a peace meeting in Abuja, with the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, PENGASSAN insisted that the strike by its members will continue until the management of the Dangote Refinery rescinds its sack decision.
On Sunday, September 28, 2025, the labour and employment had appealed to PENGASSAN to abort the nationwide strike and invited parties to the labour dispute to a meeting on Monday
Dingyadi appealed to the union to suspend the strike to facilitate a peaceful resolution, emphasizing the importance of the petroleum sector to Nigeria’s economy.
He warned that a strike would cause revenue losses and hardship for citizens, potentially impacting economic stability and national security.
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The minister assured both parties of the federal government’s commitment to an amicable resolution of the labour dispute in the national interest
However, despite efforts by the Tinubu administration to persuade PENGASSAN to suspend the strike, the union insisted on proceeding with the action.
Speaking after the meeting held at the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) in Abuja, the
President of PENGASSAN, Tony Iziogba, confirmed that the strike has garnered overwhelming support, with 100% compliance from union members.
He reiterated that the industrial action will continue unabated until the Dangote Refinery adheres to labour laws and reinstates the disengaged workers.
Iziogba pointed out that the strike is not just about specific individuals, but about the broader issues of labour rights and fair treatment within the oil and gas industry.
Monday’s meeting was attended by the representatives of the Dangote Refinery, the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and the Ministry of Finance to address the issues at hand.
Meanwhile, the federal government has said it will intensify its mediation efforts to resolve the dispute, aiming to restore normalcy in operations at the Dangote Refinery and alleviate the concerns raised by the sacked workers.
