The reconciliation meeting between the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and leaders of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Tuesday shifted to the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA) in Abuja.
The talks, which are being held behind closed doors, follow days of heightened tension over industrial action by the union against the refinery.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, along with some PENGASSAN representatives, was seen moving from the ministry to the NSA’s office for the crucial session.
PENGASSAN had earlier declared a nationwide strike against Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour practices and failure to recognise the union’s role in workers’ welfare. The move threatened to disrupt operations at Africa’s largest refinery and raised concerns about potential impacts on the country’s energy supply chain.
The refinery, however, accused the union of prioritising check-off dues over genuine workers’ welfare and sought legal intervention to halt the strike. On Monday, the National Industrial Court sitting in Abuja granted an interim order restraining PENGASSAN from continuing the industrial action.
Today’s meeting at the NSA’s office is part of efforts by the federal government to de-escalate the standoff and broker a truce between both parties.
Details are expected to emerge at the end of the discussions.
