A reconciliation meeting between the Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) ended in a deadlock after a nine-hour discussion on Monday.
The meeting, convened by the Federal Government, aimed to resolve the ongoing labor dispute that has crippled activities at key oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL), Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC), and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
The dispute stems from PENGASSAN’s allegations that Dangote Refinery embarked on mass transfers and sackings of union members, replacing some Nigerians with foreign nationals.
The refinery, however, maintains that its restructuring exercise was necessary to prevent sabotage and enhance operational efficiency.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, appealed to both parties to demonstrate good faith in dialogue, stressing that industrial peace in the oil and gas sector is critical to Nigeria’s economic stability.
The meeting has been adjourned to 2 p.m. on Tuesday to continue negotiations and potentially find a resolution to the impasse.
The deadlock has raised concerns about potential fuel shortages and economic implications, with Nigerians anxiously awaiting the outcome of the meeting.
The Nigerian Labour Congress has also joined the fray, mobilizing its affiliates for a total strike against the Dangote Refinery’s action, further escalating tensions.
