PENGASSAN Signals Possible Strike If Dangote Refinery Workers Are Not Reinstated
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has clarified that it did not sign the communiqué that ended its recent strike at Dangote Refinery, leaving the door open for possible further action if its demands are not met. PENGASSAN president Festus Osifo, speaking on Channels Television’s The Morning Brief on Thursday, said the document presented at the government-mediated meeting was not an agreement. “If you see that communiqué, we did not sign it. Normally, it is supposed to be signed by three parties. We did not sign because some provisions were not acceptable to us,” he explained, noting that the statement was simply a communication from the Minister of Labour and Employment, who acted as chief conciliator. Osifo emphasized that the union’s priorities were focused on ensuring the safe return of its members to work, countering claims that the strike was only about check-up dues. “Our main concern is how our members would return to the refinery and provide for their families,” he said. He also addressed Dangote’s refusal to immediately reinstate the affected workers, highlighting that government intervention was necessary to push for a compromise. The union president dismissed allegations that the sacked employees had sabotaged the refinery, calling such claims “totally incorrect” and warning that allowing such a label could have permanently harmed the 800 affected workers’ future employment prospects. “Clearing that stigma was a major victory,” Osifo said. “But if Dangote does not do the needful, our tools are always available. We will never tire in the struggle for what is right. PENGASSAN has been defending workers for over 50 years, long before the refinery came on stream.” The union’s statement underscores the possibility of renewed industrial action should Dangote Refinery fail to comply with its demands.
