Aliko Dangote

Fresh details have emerged on the negotiations between Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) following the recent dispute over the sacking of some refinery workers.

“The refinery was willing to pay them to stay home or pursue other opportunities while still receiving salaries,” one source revealed. “Dangote considered it a lesser burden compared to the risk of potential sabotage inside the refinery.”

However, union leaders rejected the proposal, insisting instead on redeploying the affected workers to other arms of the Dangote Group. PENGASSAN General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, explained that the focus of negotiations was always on workers’ welfare and not temporary settlement offers.

“The option to pay salaries for five years without work was part of the discussions, but what matters is the final agreement. Negotiation is about give and take, and we reached a resolution that allows workers to continue their jobs,” he said.

The Sack and Industrial Dispute

Dangote Refinery had earlier terminated the appointments of some workers, citing repeated acts of sabotage that threatened safety and operational efficiency. The decision sparked outrage from PENGASSAN, which accused the refinery of anti-labour practices and ordered members to cut gas supply to the facility in protest.

The standoff escalated until government intervention led to reconciliation talks. The dispute also drew the attention of the House of Representatives Committee on Petroleum Resources (Downstream), which urged restraint on both sides.

Agreement Reached

After marathon meetings facilitated by the Ministry of Labour and the Office of the National Security Adviser, both parties reached an agreement. The refinery committed to redeploying the affected staff to other companies within the Dangote Group without any loss of pay. It was also agreed that no worker would be victimised for their role in the standoff.

Following the resolution, PENGASSAN suspended its nationwide strike, but union leaders warned they would resume action without notice if the terms were breached.

Looking Ahead

While the redeployment option may require some workers to relocate to different states or business units, the union expressed confidence that the settlement preserved jobs and protected members’ welfare.

Mr Okugbawa likened the reconciliation to resolving a dispute between a husband and wife, saying: “After settling the case, the husband and wife live together in harmony. That is what we expect moving forward.”