Mediation talks between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the management of Dangote Refinery have ended without agreement, despite the intervention of the Federal Government.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha, convened the meeting in Abuja on Tuesday following threats of industrial action over unresolved issues relating to workers’ welfare and conditions of service at the refinery.
Government sources confirmed that while both sides presented their positions, no common ground was reached, raising fears of a strike that could disrupt operations at Africa’s largest oil refinery.
Onyejeocha urged both parties to maintain dialogue and avoid actions that could affect national energy security, stressing that government remained committed to protecting investments and safeguarding workers’ rights.
The Dangote Refinery, which has a 650,000 barrels per day capacity, is regarded as strategic to Nigeria’s drive for self-sufficiency in petroleum products. Any shutdown is expected to have significant implications for fuel supply and the economy.
