The Dangote Group has agreed to redeploy staff earlier disengaged from its refinery operations, following a resolution with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN). Here’s what’s happening:
– Redeployment Details: The affected workers will be moved to other companies within the Dangote Group with no loss of pay. This decision comes after PENGASSAN called off its strike action, which had halted gas and crude oil supplies to the refinery.
– Dispute Background: The conflict began when PENGASSAN accused the refinery of mass sackings and staff transfers of union members, and replacing some Nigerian workers with foreigners. The refinery management denied these allegations, citing operational restructuring as the reason for the disengagement.
– Government Intervention: The Federal Government stepped in to prevent further damage to the economy and energy security. Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed the agreement, emphasizing that unionisation is a right of workers under Nigerian law and should be respected.
– Next Steps: PENGASSAN will initiate the process of calling off its strike, and workers are expected to return to duty under the redeployment arrangements. The agreement was reached in good faith, according to both parties.
This resolution brings temporary industrial peace, but experts warn that underlying labour issues in the oil and gas sector remain unaddressed.
