The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has calmed public fears, stating that its planned strike, set to begin on Monday, September 29, 2025, will not disrupt petrol supply or cause long queues at fuel stations. The assurance comes amid tensions with Dangote Refinery, which the union accuses of unfairly dismissing nearly 1,000 Nigerian workers.
Why the Strike?
PENGASSAN directed its members to withdraw services nationwide in response to what it calls the “mass dismissal” of workers by Dangote Refinery, particularly those exercising their right to unionize. The union has already cut gas supply to refineries, fertilizer plants, and related facilities as part of the action. The strike notice raised widespread concern about potential fuel shortages, a recurring issue in Nigeria.
Speaking on Channels Television’s Sunday Politics on September 28, 2025, PENGASSAN President Festus Osifo addressed these worries: “The effect, as of today, as of tomorrow, even by next weekend, is not going to dovetail into Nigerians queuing to buy PMS [petrol]. It won’t dovetail into that.” He emphasized the union’s resolve, saying, “If someone says he is crazy, we are going to tell him that we are the goose that laid the golden egg — that we are much crazier.”
Government Steps In
The Federal Government has urged PENGASSAN to call off the strike to allow for dialogue. On Sunday, Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi announced an emergency meeting scheduled for Monday, September 29, 2025, with both PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery management. The goal is to resolve the dispute peacefully and prevent further escalation. Dingyadi appealed to the union to suspend the strike for a conducive atmosphere during the talks.
Osifo confirmed that PENGASSAN will attend the meeting but maintained a firm stance: the union demands the reinstatement of all sacked workers. “Our position is very clear, you cannot send close to 1,000 Nigerians to the streets like that because they are exercising their rights to unionize,” he said. He also called on the government to hold Dangote Refinery accountable, stressing that “Nigeria is not a banana republic.”
What’s at Stake?
The dispute highlights broader issues of labor rights and industrial relations in Nigeria’s critical oil and gas sector. PENGASSAN’s actions reflect its determination to protect workers’ rights, while the government seeks to avoid disruptions in a sector vital to the economy. Related reports indicate that the Trade Union Congress (TUC) has also demanded a public apology from Dangote Refinery, and figures like Shehu Sani have urged both sides to embrace dialogue.
As the Monday meeting looms, all eyes are on whether a resolution can be reached to avert further economic strain. If you want more details on the dispute or updates after the meeting, let me know!
