The Federal Government has summoned the management of Dangote Refinery and leaders of PENGASSAN to an urgent conciliation meeting following the declaration of a nationwide strike by the union. The meeting is scheduled to take place in Abuja under the supervision of the Ministry of Labour and Employment.
In its invitation, the ministry asked both parties to suspend all planned actions and enter into discussions in good faith. Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi warned that the petroleum sector is too critical to the economy to allow prolonged industrial action.
The government said its priority is to safeguard jobs while ensuring that the operations of Dangote Refinery, considered a major asset to Nigeria’s economy, are not disrupted. It reiterated that dialogue remains the best option for resolving labor disputes.
PENGASSAN has vowed to press ahead with its strike unless the refinery reinstates dismissed workers and commits to protecting Nigerian jobs. Dangote, on its part, insists that the reorganization was lawful and necessary. The government’s intervention is expected to determine whether the standoff escalates or ends in compromise.
