By Olatunbosun Obafemi
The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has suspended its nationwide strike following a high-level meeting with the National Security Adviser (NSA) and the management of Dangote Refinery.
PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, announced the development at a press briefing in Abuja on Wednesday. He explained that the strike suspension came after exhaustive deliberations that produced a communiqué between the government, refinery management, and the union.
“The decision was taken in good faith to allow dialogue to continue,” Osifo said. “However, there are still grey areas in the communiqué which were not completely clarified, and we remain dissatisfied with some parts of the resolution.”
The industrial action, which began earlier this week, had threatened to disrupt oil production and supply across the country, sparking fears of fuel scarcity and potential economic setbacks. PENGASSAN had accused Dangote Refinery of unfair labour practices and demanded better engagement with workers, while also urging government intervention to prevent escalating tensions in the sector.
With Wednesday’s suspension, Osifo stressed that the association expects the refinery’s management to fully honour its commitments under the agreement. He warned that the union would not hesitate to resume the strike “without notice” if the terms are breached.
The government has welcomed the decision, with officials describing it as a positive step towards stabilising the oil and gas industry. Analysts, however, caution that unless the unresolved issues are addressed swiftly, the dispute could resurface and trigger fresh disruptions.
PENGASSAN’s suspension of the strike offers temporary relief to Nigerians already battling high energy costs and inflation. But industry watchers say the development highlights the fragility of labour relations in the oil and gas sector and underscores the need for sustainable engagement between unions, government, and operators like Dangote Refinery.
