On October 1, 2025, the Federal Government announced a resolution between the Dangote Group and PENGASSAN, ensuring disengaged refinery workers are redeployed within the group without salary cuts.
Ministerial Statement
Labour and Employment Minister Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi confirmed the agreement in Abuja.
“Dangote will reassign affected staff to other group companies with no pay loss,” he said, emphasizing no worker will face retaliation for union involvement.
Union Rights Upheld
Dingyadi stressed that unionization is a legal right under Nigerian law, urging respect for workers’ freedoms. Both parties agreed in good faith, with PENGASSAN set to end its strike.
Origins of the Conflict
The dispute arose when PENGASSAN accused Dangote Refinery of unfairly transferring and dismissing union members, alleging replacement with foreign workers.
The company denied targeting unions, citing operational needs for the restructuring.
Strike and Impact
PENGASSAN’s industrial action halted crude and gas supplies to the $20 billion Lekki refinery, raising fears of fuel shortages and economic disruption.
Earlier talks collapsed, prompting government intervention.
Government’s Role
Citing risks to energy security, the FG mediated high-level discussions to resolve the deadlock, protecting Nigeria’s economy and ensuring stable fuel supply.
Why It Matters
The resolution safeguards workers’ rights and maintains operations at the refinery, critical for reducing Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.
Next Steps
As PENGASSAN prepares to lift the strike, redeployment begins in 2025, with oversight to ensure compliance and protect workers’ interests.
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