PENGASSAN Strike Persists as Dangote Refinery Mediation Collapses After Nine-Hour Talks
Story: written by Zara September 30,2025
The nationwide strike by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) will continue after reconciliation talks with Dangote Refinery ended in a deadlock late Monday night.
The mediation, chaired by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, lasted about nine hours and included representatives from PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery, the Minister of Finance, and top officials of the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission (NUPRC) as well as the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
Speaking to journalists in the early hours of Tuesday, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo said the talks collapsed because the management of Dangote Refinery refused to reinstate more than 800 staff who were recently dismissed.
Union’s Demands
Osifo stressed that the strike will not be called off unless the sacked employees are reinstated.
“All we are asking is that these 800 workers—fathers, mothers, and young professionals—be returned to their jobs. Their careers are on the line. Many of them are trainees who were unfairly accused of sabotage. If left unemployed, no other company will hire them because of that label,” Osifo explained.
He added that PENGASSAN is ready to end the industrial action immediately if Dangote Group recalls the affected workers. “Without reinstatement, the strike continues,” he insisted.
Next Steps
The parties are scheduled to reconvene on Tuesday, September 30, to continue negotiations. Osifo expressed hope that “the management will reconsider its stance and do the right thing for the workers and the economy.”
Government’s Position
Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi reaffirmed the Federal Government’s commitment to resolving the crisis. According to him, the dispute centers on the mass sackings and issues surrounding unionization of refinery workers.
The strike, which has disrupted key oil and gas institutions, is expected to intensify pressure on both Dangote Refinery and government authorities to find a lasting resolution.
