Federal government urges dialogue in refinery dispute
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has called for a peaceful resolution to the ongoing dispute between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). He emphasized that resolving the issue amicably is in the best interest of all stakeholders — including workers, the employer, and the Nigerian economy.
Speaking during a stakeholder meeting convened to address the escalating tensions, Dingyadi highlighted the critical importance of both the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN to Nigeria’s energy sector and overall economic stability.
“We want to resolve these issues amicably, for the good of everybody — for the good of our economy, for the security of our nation, for the welfare of our workers, and for the benefit of employers as well,” the minister stated.
Stakeholder meeting delayed but underway
The meeting, originally scheduled to begin at 2:30 p.m. on Monday, did not start until around 4:00 p.m. At the time of this report, it remained unclear whether the session had concluded or was still ongoing.
Present at the meeting were representatives of the Dangote Refinery, officials from PENGASSAN, and other key players in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry. The government’s intervention comes amid mounting concerns over the potential impact of the standoff on national energy supply and industrial peace.
Background to the industrial dispute
The tensions escalated after PENGASSAN accused the Dangote Refinery of unjustly terminating workers who had exercised their right to join the union. Over the weekend, the union responded by instructing its members to halt the supply of gas and crude oil to the refinery — a move that could disrupt operations at the facility, which has a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day.
In response, Dangote Refinery described the union’s actions as “bully and terror tactics,” while maintaining that it had not acted in violation of any labour laws.
The refinery has since obtained an interim court order restraining PENGASSAN from interfering with its operations or taking further industrial action.
Minister emphasizes national interest
Minister Dingyadi stressed that the dispute must be addressed in a manner that upholds the law and ensures continued productivity in the oil and gas sector. He urged both parties to approach the matter with mutual respect and a willingness to compromise.
“This issue affects not just the refinery and the union, but the country at large,” he said. “We must ensure our energy infrastructure continues to operate efficiently, especially at a time when national security and economic growth are closely linked to industrial stability.”
Legal and labour experts monitoring developments
The legal dimension of the case, particularly the court order obtained by Dangote Refinery, adds another layer of complexity. Labour experts have noted that while the right to unionize is protected under Nigerian labour law, disputes must be managed within the framework of existing legal mechanisms.
As discussions continue, industry stakeholders and observers are closely watching how both parties respond to the government’s appeal for dialogue and restraint.
Way forward remains uncertain
Though the federal government has stepped in to mediate, the resolution of the conflict will likely depend on the willingness of both PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery to engage in good-faith negotiations. The outcome of these talks could have significant implications for labour relations in the private sector and for the credibility of Nigeria’s industrial dispute resolution mechanisms.
