The Federal Government on Monday met with PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery in Abuja to address the escalating industrial dispute even as the National Industrial Court pulled the brakes on an industrial action.
The closed-door meeting, convened by Minister of Labour and Employment Mohammad Maigari Dingyadi, was held at the ministry’s conference hall with PENGASSAN led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, and the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress, Dr. Nuhu Toro, alongside Dangote officials and senior government representatives.
The dialogue, scheduled for 2:00 p.m., began around 3:50 p.m. following the late arrival of key stakeholders.
It was called after the government summoned the union and refinery management to resolve tensions generated after the refinery sacked some 800 workers following a disputes about union rights.
PENGASSAN had directed its members across oil and gas facilities to cut crude oil and gas supply to Dangote Refinery, insisting that the management’s actions amounted to unfair labour practices.
The directive raised concerns about the refinery’s operations and its role in Nigeria’s fuel supply chain.
Meanwhile, the National Industrial Court has issued an interim order halting the nationwide strike.
READ ALSO:Â PENGASSAN strike shuts NNPC, NUPRC, NMDPRA nationwide
Justice Sublim ruled that the planned disruption of crude and gas supply was capable of causing serious damage to Nigeria’s economy.
The order was granted following an ex parte application filed by the refinery’s counsel, George Ibrahim, SAN
The court also restrained the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited, the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission from enforcing any directive to cut supplies.
Justice Sublim stressed the importance of maintaining the status quo to prevent irreparable economic harm.
He directed that the restraining order and suit be served immediately on all defendants. The matter was adjourned until October 13, 2025 for hearing of the substantive motion.
The dispute, which has attracted wide attention across the energy sector, continues to test the government’s mediation efforts as both sides stand firm on their positions.
Crediblenewsng.com
