By Erewunmi Peace

The Federal Government has successfully brokered peace between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Petroleum Refinery, bringing an end to the industrial crisis that recently shook the oil and gas sector.

Following days of tension after the reported disengagement of over 800 refinery workers, the Ministry of Labour and Employment convened a high-level conciliation meeting involving the Dangote Group, union leaders, and government officials.

At the end of the talks, both parties agreed to terms that would restore industrial harmony. Key resolutions include:

Redeployment of affected workers: Disengaged employees are to be redeployed within other Dangote Group subsidiaries without loss of pay.

No victimisation: Both parties affirmed that no worker will face reprisals for participating in union activities during the dispute.

Suspension of strike: PENGASSAN has agreed to begin the process of suspending its nationwide strike action.

The government described the outcome as a major breakthrough, stressing that the agreement was reached “in good faith” and serves the interest of all stakeholders, including Nigeria’s economy which had been threatened by the industrial action.

PENGASSAN also assured its members that it will continue to protect workers’ rights while engaging constructively with management to avoid future disputes.

This truce comes as a relief to millions of Nigerians who had expressed fears of fuel supply disruptions following the refinery dispute.