The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery are currently meeting with the Federal Government in Abuja as part of efforts to resolve an ongoing industrial dispute.
The reconciliation talks, convened at the conference room of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, brought together PENGASSAN leaders led by President Festus Osifo, representatives of the Dangote Refinery, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, and the Minister of State, Nkiruka Onyejeocha.
The meeting follows escalating tensions between the union and the private refinery over alleged labour rights violations.
On Monday, PENGASSAN members barricaded the headquarters of the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL) in Abuja, in compliance with a directive from the union’s national executive committee for a nationwide industrial action.
The union is protesting the alleged unlawful dismissal of more than 800 Nigerian workers by the Dangote Refinery, accusing the company of violating labour laws, the Nigerian Constitution, and International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions by terminating employees for unionising.
In a circular issued after an emergency National Executive Council meeting on September 27, and signed by General Secretary Lumumba Okugbawa, PENGASSAN described the action as a deliberate attempt to undermine workers’ rights.
However, Dangote Petroleum Refinery has defended its decision, saying the recent restructuring was necessary to prevent sabotage, improve safety, and enhance operational efficiency.