The Federal Government has waded into the industrial crisis between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery, following the union’s declaration of a nationwide strike.
In a statement signed by the Head of Information and Public Relations in the Ministry of Labour, Patience Onuobia, on Sunday, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend its strike scheduled to begin on Monday, September 29, 2025.
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Dingyadi disclosed that his Ministry has invited both PENGASSAN leadership and Dangote Refinery management to an emergency conciliation meeting in his office on Monday.
He emphasised the need for dialogue to prevent further escalation of the dispute.
“The Ministry of Labour and Employment, through the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, has extended invitations to the leadership of PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to attend a conciliation meeting in my office on Monday,” the Minister stated.
He cautioned that industrial action in the oil and gas sector could have far-reaching consequences for the country’s economy and stability.
“I appeal to both parties to be mindful of the importance of the petroleum sector to the country, being the core of her economy. A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country but also cause more hardship and difficulties for Nigerians. Consequentially, it will have adverse impacts, both on economic stability and national security,” Dingyadi warned.
While urging PENGASSAN to withdraw its strike declaration, the Minister assured that the Federal Government was committed to resolving the dispute in the national interest and to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
