The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike but warned it would resume immediately if the Dangote Group defaults on a government-brokered agreement.
PENGASSAN President, Mr. Festus Osifo, disclosed this on Wednesday during a press conference in Abuja at the end of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC) meeting, convened to review government’s intervention in the industrial dispute.
The strike, which disrupted oil and gas operations across the country, was triggered by the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they voluntarily joined the union.
Osifo described the action as a violation of workers’ constitutional rights and Nigeria’s obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions.
“Let it be known clearly that if there is any slip or breach in implementing this agreement, we shall immediately resume our suspended nationwide industrial action,” Osifo warned.
He explained that the NEC suspended the strike out of respect for government institutions, despite doubts over the sincerity of the Dangote Group and perceived loopholes in the settlement.
According to him, PENGASSAN’s main demand was the full reinstatement of the affected workers. However, the government opted for redeployment within other Dangote-owned subsidiaries.
“Our position was simple: bring them back to their original jobs. Government proposed a middle ground instead, and that remains our greatest reservation with the settlement,” he said.
Osifo noted that while the union accepted the compromise reluctantly, its priority was ensuring workers could resume earning an income to support their families.
He cautioned that PENGASSAN would not tolerate unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays.
“We suspended the action in good faith to respect the government. But the moment we detect any foul play or gimmicks, we will return to the trenches immediately,” he declared.
