Faisal Salisu DambattaThe Federal Government has announced that the Dangote Group will redeploy staff disengaged from its refinery operations without any loss of pay. This decision comes after a dispute resolution between the company and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The agreement includes redeployment of disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, no loss of pay during the transition, and no victimization of workers due to their role in the impasse. PENGASSAN has also agreed to start the process of calling off the strike.
The dispute arose after PENGASSAN raised concerns over mass transfers and dismissals of union members, as well as replacement of Nigerian staff with foreign workers. The Dangote Refinery management denied these allegations, citing operational requirements.
The Federal Government intervened, citing potential adverse effects on the economy and energy security. Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, stressed that unionisation is a right of workers under Nigerian law and should be respected.
With this agreement, the dispute between Dangote Group and PENGASSAN has been resolved, ensuring stability in the nation’s energy sector.
