The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike following government intervention in its industrial dispute with Dangote Group.
The union said the decision was taken out of respect for national economic stability despite serious concerns about the sincerity of Dangote management in implementing the agreement brokered by government.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, stated that the strike, which began after more than 800 workers of Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited were reportedly dismissed for joining the union, was suspended to give room for dialogue and resolution.
He described the mass dismissal as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights and Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation conventions on freedom of association.
Osifo warned that the union would immediately resume its suspended industrial action if Dangote Group fails to honour the agreement.
He explained that while PENGASSAN’s key demand was the full reinstatement of the affected workers, the government proposed redeployment across other subsidiaries within the Dangote Group as a middle ground, which the union reluctantly accepted.
He stressed that the most important concern was ensuring that affected workers return to active employment and are able to support their families.
“We will not wait endlessly if nothing happens. Any breach or delay will force us back to the trenches,” Osifo said.
PENGASSAN reiterated its position as a patriotic and law-abiding organisation committed to protecting workers’ welfare while safeguarding Nigeria’s economic stability.