Dangote Petroleum Refinery has expressed deep appreciation for President Bola Tinubu’s decisive involvement in resolving a heated labor conflict with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).
The dispute, which threatened national energy supplies, centered on union recognition rights and claims of over 800 job losses at the facility.
In a statement released on October 5, 2025, the refinery hailed Tinubu’s leadership, saying, “Dangote Refinery is grateful to the President… for his intervention, through his ministers and senior officials, which resulted in the abatement of the disruptive actions of PENGASSAN.” It also thanked the officials for their “patriotism and national service” and praised loyal staff for maintaining seamless operations.
The standoff escalated in early October 2025 when PENGASSAN halted gas deliveries and pulled its members from operations, sparking a nationwide strike. Initial talks on October 1, 2025, under Labour and Employment Minister Mohammed Dingyadi ended without agreement, prompting escalation to the National Security Adviser’s office.
By October 2, 2025, the federal government declared the issue settled, leading PENGASSAN to immediately suspend its actions. High-level mediation included Finance Minister Wale Edun, Budget Minister Atiku Bagudu, State Labour Minister Nkiruka Onyejeocha, and heads of the Department of State Services and National Intelligence Agency, alongside a representative from the Petroleum Resources Ministry.
Also see: Pump Prices Remain High Despite Dangote’s ₦820 per Litre Supply
Notably, the company reaffirmed its dedication to Nigeria, stating, “Our commitment to the Nigerian nation and our pact with its people remain undiluted… Be assured that we would continue to work for and in your interest.” Operations at the refinery, a key player in reducing fuel imports, have resumed without interruption, ensuring steady petroleum product output.
It bears mentioning that this resolution underscores the current administration’s focus on stabilizing critical sectors amid economic pressures. As the refinery ramps up to full capacity by late 2025, experts anticipate smoother workforce relations and enhanced energy security for the country.
