By Victor Osula, Abuja
The Federal Government’s marathon meeting with Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) ended in a deadlock late Monday, after nearly nine hours of negotiations.
The closed-door session, which started at 3:30 p.m. at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, dragged past midnight without agreement. The parties are scheduled to reconvene today at 2 p.m. for fresh talks.
PENGASSAN accuses Dangote Refinery of unfair labour practices, including the dismissal and transfer of its members and the alleged replacement of Nigerian workers with foreigners.
The refinery has denied the allegations, insisting its restructuring process aligns with global best practices.
PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo led the union’s delegation, alongside Trade Union Congress General Secretary Nuhu Toro.
Labour Minister Mohammad Dingyadi headed the government’s team, while senior officials represented the refinery.
Dingyadi, in his opening remarks, stressed the need for compromise, warning that prolonged industrial unrest in the oil and gas sector could disrupt the economy and undermine energy security.
But the union vowed to continue its strike until the alleged anti-labour practices are addressed, while the refinery maintained its position.
The deadlock has raised fresh concerns over refinery operations and petroleum product supply, with stakeholders waiting to see if today’s talks can break the stalemate and avert a wider crisis.
