The Nigerian government intervenes to mediate the dispute between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN.
Fresh indications on Sunday revealed that the Federal Government of Nigeria is making concerted efforts to intervene in the escalating conflict between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). The dispute, which has been simmering for weeks, took a critical turn with PENGASSAN’s threat to commence an industrial action beginning Monday, September 29, 2025.
In a bid to forestall the looming strike and the attendant consequences for Nigeria’s fragile economy, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has stepped into the matter. He has appealed directly to the leadership of PENGASSAN to suspend its planned action and allow the government to broker peace between the union and the refinery management.
According to reliable sources within the Ministry of Labour and Employment, officials are working tirelessly behind the scenes to facilitate dialogue and secure an amicable resolution. A senior government official, who spoke to Vanguard, confirmed that all necessary arrangements have been put in place to ensure that the warring parties “sheathe their swords in the interest of peace.” The official emphasized that the government’s overriding goal is to bring both sides to the negotiating table and achieve a solution acceptable to all stakeholders.
“The ministry is engaging in active discussions with the Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN leadership,” the source explained. “From all indications, there is no alternative to peace. The government is determined to prevent this disagreement from snowballing into a full-blown crisis.”
Reiterating this stance, Minister Dingyadi issued a passionate public appeal to PENGASSAN, urging the union to reconsider its strike declaration. He stressed that his ministry has already extended invitations to both PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery’s management for an emergency conciliation meeting scheduled to take place in his office on Monday. The purpose of the meeting, he noted, is to address the contentious issues, de-escalate tensions, and chart a path toward lasting peace.
In a statement signed by Patience Onuobia, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Dingyadi underscored the critical role of the petroleum sector in Nigeria’s economic survival. He warned that an industrial action at this time would not only trigger significant revenue losses for the country but also deepen economic hardship for ordinary Nigerians. Beyond the immediate economic damage, he cautioned, a strike could destabilize the nation’s fragile security and further undermine public confidence.
“I appeal to both parties to be mindful of the importance of the petroleum sector to the country, being the core of our economy,”
Dingyadi said:
“A strike will not only cause huge losses but also worsen the difficulties Nigerians are already facing. The Ministry is ready to mediate and ensure that both parties reach an amicable settlement that protects national interest.”
The Minister concluded by assuring Nigerians that the Federal Government is committed to a peaceful resolution, pledging that no effort will be spared in reconciling the two parties and averting disruptions that could further weaken the economy.
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