From Victor Osula, Abuja
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike against the Dangote Refinery following the intervention of top government officials.
The strike, which began on September 28, was triggered by the alleged dismissal of 800 workers, mostly fresh graduates and trainees, just two weeks after the refinery signed a Memorandum of Understanding with the union.
Addressing journalists in Abuja, PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, said the workers were unjustly accused of economic sabotage.
“A single letter was used to terminate the appointment of these 800 staff, with false claims of sabotage,” Osifo said, dismissing claims that the strike was linked to union dues.
He stressed that the action was about defending workers’ rights, not financial interests, pointing out that the combined salaries of the affected staff were negligible compared to what a handful of employees in international oil companies earn monthly.
Accusing Aliko Dangote of attempting to place himself above the law, Osifo said,
“Dangote feels he is bigger than the laws of Nigeria. He has previously reneged on agreements with NUPENG and is doing the same with us.”
The standoff was temporarily resolved after the intervention of National Security Adviser Nuhu Ribadu, Labour Minister Muhammad Maigari-Dingyadi, and Finance Minister Wale Edun.
Part of the resolution involved redeploying the sacked workers to other Dangote Group subsidiaries, but the union insists redeployment must remain within its jurisdiction.
While announcing the suspension of the strike, Osifo warned that PENGASSAN would not hesitate to resume industrial action without notice if the company fails to honour the agreement
