FG Steps In to Resolve Dangote–PENGASSAN Dispute Amid Strike Disruptions in Oil and Gas Sector
Story: written by Okafor Joseph September 30,2025
The Federal Government has waded into the ongoing conflict between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) after strike actions disrupted critical operations in the oil and gas industry.
The reconciliation talks, which began on Monday, were convened by the Ministry of Labour and Employment under the leadership of Minister Muhammad Dingyadi. The meeting was attended by executives of PENGASSAN, management of Dangote Refinery, the Minister of Finance, and top officials from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Dingyadi stressed that the federal government’s intervention was necessary to prevent the dispute from inflicting severe hardship on Nigerians and destabilizing the economy. He noted his surprise at the scale of the strike, which had locked out staff from oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPCL).
“We know PENGASSAN to be peaceful and patriotic, just as the Dangote Group has been a strong contributor to Nigeria’s economy. This is why the government is urgently stepping in to ensure that the crisis is resolved amicably, in the interest of workers, employers, and the Nigerian people,” the minister said.
Impact of the Strike
The industrial action has already affected major petroleum regulatory bodies and paralyzed activities in several institutions. Staff reported being denied access to offices, while fuel distribution networks experienced significant disruption.
The strike caused the closure of some filling stations, forcing Nigerians to scramble for available fuel and gas. Prices spiked in parts of Lagos, with a litre of gas selling for ₦1,250 in Ejigbo compared to ₦1,000 just two weeks earlier.
Why the FG Intervened
Government officials explained that the intervention is aimed at restoring normal fuel supply to households and businesses, while also safeguarding the nation’s energy security. Sources revealed that resolving the rift quickly is critical to stabilizing petroleum product availability and preventing further economic strain.
The resolution efforts are ongoing, with authorities urging both parties to prioritize dialogue and compromise for the benefit of the wider economy.
