The Federal Government has called on the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria, PENGASSAN, to reconsider its planned nationwide strike scheduled to begin today. The proposed industrial action follows a dispute with Dangote Refinery over the alleged dismissal of workers for joining the union.
The Ministry of Labour and Employment has invited both the union and Dangote Refinery management to a conciliation meeting today. The Minister, Muhammad Dingyadi, said steps have been taken to facilitate peaceful dialogue between both parties. He emphasized that a strike at this time could lead to major revenue losses and further hardship for Nigerians, given the critical role the petroleum sector plays in the national economy.
The union, however, claimed the refinery violated Nigeria’s labour laws and international conventions by sacking employees for unionizing. The Federal Government further appealed to both sides to give dialogue a chance, assuring that all grievances will be addressed in the national interest.
