The Federal Government has intervened in the escalating dispute between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery, summoning both parties to an emergency meeting in Abuja to resolve the conflict.
The announcement was made on Sunday, September 28, 2025, as confirmed by a statement from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
The disagreement stems from allegations by PENGASSAN’s Dangote Refinery Branch that the company engaged in anti-labour practices, including the unlawful termination of over 500 workers without due process.
The union accused the refinery’s management of undermining collective bargaining agreements and fostering unfair labour conditions.
In response, Dangote Refinery’s management denied the claims, asserting compliance with labour laws and describing the terminations as part of a restructuring process to enhance efficiency.
The Federal Government, through the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, expressed concern over the potential impact of the dispute on Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly given Dangote Refinery’s critical role in reducing fuel import dependency.
The emergency meeting aims to facilitate dialogue, address grievances, and prevent disruptions to the refinery’s operations, which are vital for Nigeria’s economic stability.
This intervention follows heightened tensions, with PENGASSAN threatening industrial action if their demands for reinstatement and better working conditions are not met.
The outcome of the meeting could set a precedent for labour relations in Nigeria’s oil and gas industry.
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