FG Urges PENGASSAN to Cancel Planned Strike Over Dangote Refinery Dispute

The Federal Government has requested the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) to call off its planned nationwide strike due to a conflict with Dangote Refinery. 

In a statement issued on Sunday in Abuja, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr. Muhammad Dingyadi, appealed for the suspension of the strike, which PENGASSAN had scheduled to begin at midnight on Sunday in response to the alleged dismissal of Nigerian workers at the refinery.

The union also accused the management of the refinery of anti-labour practices and discrimination against local employees, prompting the Federal Government’s intervention.

Dingyadi said the ministry had already initiated moves to reconcile the parties to prevent the crisis from escalating.

“The ministry of Labour and Employment, through the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, has extended invitations to the leadership of PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to attend a conciliation meeting in my office on Monday.

“I appeal to both parties to be mindful of the importance of the petroleum sector to the country, being the core of her economy.

“A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses but also cause hardship for Nigerians.
”Its impact on economic stability and national security cannot be underestimated,” he added.

The minister urged the union to withdraw its strike declaration to allow the Federal Government mediate in a peaceful atmosphere.

NAN