Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed its appreciation to President Bola Ahmed Tinubu for his instrumental role in resolving the recent industrial dispute between the company and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
In a statement issued on Sunday, the company also commended the Office of the National Security Adviser, the Ministers of Labour and Employment, and other top government officials for their roles in addressing what it described as the “disruptive actions of PENGASSAN” against the refinery.
“We are deeply grateful to President Tinubu for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which led to the resolution of the issues and the cessation of actions that threatened our operations,” the statement read.
The company also extended its appreciation to the Nigerian public for their support throughout the dispute.
“To all Nigerians who stood by us with words of encouragement and solidarity, you gave us hope and reinforced our belief in the strength and resilience of our nation and its people. You are the backbone of our enterprise.”
The statement also acknowledged the loyalty and dedication of its employees.
“To our steadfast workers, whose commitment ensured that operations at the refinery continued without disruption, we thank and commend you.”
Reaffirming its commitment to the country, Dangote Refinery emphasized its unwavering dedication to serving Nigeria.
“Our pledge to the Nigerian people remains firm and unshaken. Despite the distractions from detractors and saboteurs, we will continue to work diligently in your interest and defend that interest against rent-seekers and economic saboteurs.”
Background to the dispute
The Federal Government announced last Wednesday that the industrial dispute between PENGASSAN and Dangote Petroleum Refinery had been resolved.
The reconciliation efforts, initially led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, reached a breakthrough following a subsequent meeting at the Office of the National Security Adviser (NSA), after earlier talks ended in a deadlock.
The dispute centered around issues of unionization and allegations that over 800 Nigerian workers had been laid off by the refinery, prompting PENGASSAN to threaten a nationwide strike and halt gas supply to the plant.
Key officials present at the decisive conciliation meeting included Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkiruka Onyejeocha.
Also in attendance were the Director General of the Department of State Services (DSS), the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA), and a representative of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources (Gas), who was represented by the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources.
Following the meeting, PENGASSAN officially announced the suspension of its industrial action.
