The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has issued a stern warning that its strike against Dangote Refinery may resume, despite a recent truce brokered by the Federal Government. The union has suspended its action for now, but a full agreement has not been signed.
Background of the Dispute
The conflict began when the Dangote Refinery laid off over 800 workers, many of whom had recently unionized by joining PENGASSAN. The union accused the refinery of violating workers’ rights to freedom of association and engaging in anti-labor practices. In response, PENGASSAN initiated a nationwide strike, ordering its members to cut off gas and crude oil supplies to the refinery. This action led to a partial shutdown of the facility and raised fears of a national fuel crisis.
The Government’s Intervention and “Fragile Truce”
To avert a major crisis, the Federal Government, led by the Ministry of Labour and Employment, intervened. After several days of intense negotiations, a temporary resolution was reached. The government confirmed that the parties had agreed that the disengaged workers would be absorbed into other companies within the Dangote Group without any loss of pay. Additionally, no worker would be victimized for their role in the dispute. Following this understanding, PENGASSAN suspended its strike.
Awaiting the Final Agreement
However, PENGASSAN has stated that the suspension is only temporary. According to the union’s president, Festus Osifo, the union is not entirely satisfied with the communique signed under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour. He stressed that the strike was merely suspended and not called off, and that the union is monitoring the situation closely. Osifo warned that if any part of the agreement is breached by the Dangote Group, the union will not give any further notice before resuming its industrial action.
The union’s distrust of the Dangote management remains a significant issue. PENGASSAN’s leadership believes the company may not honor the commitments made, and the union is prepared to take immediate action if that is the case. This means that while the immediate threat of a strike is over, a renewed disruption remains a distinct possibility.
