By Biofact: 1 Oct, 2025

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has agreed to suspend its industrial strike action following negotiations with Dangote Petroleum Refinery management and representatives of the federal government.

The dispute began last week after more than 800 employees at the $20 billion Dangote Refinery were reportedly dismissed for attempting to unionize. The move triggered widespread concerns over potential disruptions to fuel supply across Nigeria and West Africa, given the refinery’s massive processing capacity of 650,000 barrels of crude per day.

Following a conciliation meeting convened by the Ministry of Labour, it was resolved that the affected staff would be absorbed into other subsidiaries of the Dangote Group without any reduction in their salaries.

Labour Minister emphasized during the talks that freedom of association is a fundamental right for all workers and must be respected by employers.

In its statement, the union confirmed that it has begun the process of suspending the strike after assurances from the company and government.

Dangote officials, however, maintained that the recent dismissals were linked to internal restructuring and alleged sabotage within the refinery, rather than union activity.

The suspension of the strike is expected to calm fears of fuel shortages and stabilize energy trade in the region.

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