In a statement released early Wednesday, Minister of Labour and Employment Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi revealed that the resolution followed two days of intensive negotiations involving high-level government officials, including National Security Adviser Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, Minister of Finance Wale Edun, Minister of Budget and Economic Planning Senator Atiku Bagudu, Minister of State for Labour Barr. 

Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, DSS Director-General Adeola Ajayi, and NIA Director-General Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

The agreement addresses the contentious dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers, allegedly for unionization efforts, which prompted PENGASSAN to launch a strike on September 29, 2025, disrupting operations at key oil regulators like the Nigerian National Petroleum Company (NNPC), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

According to Dingyadi’s statement, “The Honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria, and this right should be respected.” 

After reviewing the disengagement process, the parties agreed that Dangote Group will immediately begin redeploying the affected workers to other companies within its conglomerate, ensuring no loss of pay. 

Additionally, no worker will face victimization for their role in the impasse.In response, PENGASSAN has committed to starting the process of suspending the strike, with both sides agreeing to act in good faith. 

The resolution averts further disruptions to Nigeria’s energy sector, particularly at the 650,000-barrel-per-day Dangote Refinery, a critical asset for reducing fuel import dependency.

The Federal Government commended both parties for their cooperation, emphasizing the importance of dialogue in safeguarding Nigeria’s economic stability. 

Operations at affected agencies are expected to normalize as PENGASSAN moves to formally end the strike.