Talks between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) have stalled without an agreement, following a meeting convened by the Federal Government to broker peace. The dispute centers on PENGASSAN’s allegations that Dangote Refinery embarked on mass sack of union members and replaced some Nigerians with foreign nationals, claims the company has consistently denied.

Background of the Dispute

The rift between Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN began when the union accused the company of:
– Mass sack of union members: PENGASSAN claims over 800 Nigerian workers were dismissed and replaced with foreign nationals.
– Anti-labour practices: The union alleges Dangote Refinery has engaged in union-busting and worker exploitation.

Government Intervention

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammad Dingyadi, led the government delegation and urged both parties to demonstrate good faith in dialogue. He emphasized the importance of industrial peace in the oil and gas sector, particularly as Nigeria relies on the Dangote Refinery to boost local refining capacity and reduce dependence on imported petroleum products.

Next Steps

Further talks are scheduled to resume today, September 30, at 2 p.m., in a bid to resolve the impasse. Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court has issued a restraining order against PENGASSAN from proceeding with its planned industrial action against Dangote Refinery.

Impact of the Dispute

The standoff has raised concerns about potential disruptions to fuel supply and the impact on the nation’s economy. The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has placed unions on red alert and called for mobilization against Dangote’s alleged anti-labour stance.