Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has described the strike declared by the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals as a matter of significant national concern.

Speaking at the opening of a meeting between PENGASSAN leadership and the refinery’s management on Monday in Abuja, Dingyadi assured that the Federal Government would ensure the strike does not escalate into a national emergency.

The meeting was also attended by the Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Dr. Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; top officials from the Ministry of Petroleum Resources; the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Engineering Matters; and senior representatives of key oil and gas regulatory bodies, including NNPC, NMDPRA, and NUPRC.

Before the talks went into a closed-door session, Dingyadi admitted that the government had initially underestimated the scale of the industrial action until it became evident that the strike had extended beyond Dangote Refinery, disrupting operations at other critical oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

He said, “What is happening today is very dear to this country, very dear to our economy, and very dear to the security of our nation.

“We didn’t know the magnitude of this strike. Initially, we thought it was just about Dangote Refinery, but we have now been informed that it has extended to affect NNPC and other subsidiaries in the oil and gas industry.”

The labour minister commended PENGASSAN for its long-standing record as a constructive and peaceful union, emphasizing that the group has historically demonstrated deep commitment to the growth and stability of Nigeria’s economy.

He added, “PENGASSAN has always been very peaceful, and we know for a very long time they have never done this kind of thing.

“We consider them as friends and as people who wish this country well. Their action must be understood as a reflection of deep concerns that deserve urgent and sincere attention.”

Dingyadi assured Nigerians that President Bola Tinubu is closely monitoring the situation and is deeply concerned about its potential impact on citizens.

He added, “We want to make sure that this face-off is not extended to the ordinary citizens of the country.

“That is why we are taking urgent steps to act as conciliators, to resolve this issue amicably for the good of our workers, our economy, and the spirit of our nation.”

The dispute that triggered PENGASSAN’s strike reportedly arose from allegations of unfair labour practices at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery.

The union has accused the refinery’s management of wrongfully terminating Nigerian workers while retaining foreign nationals in similar roles, a situation it described as discriminatory and unacceptable.

The strike has raised concerns over potential fuel supply disruptions and broader economic instability, given the refinery’s critical role in Nigeria’s energy sector.

As talks continue behind closed doors, there are growing expectations that the federal government’s intervention will pave the way for a peaceful resolution.

Dingyadi expressed optimism about the outcome of the discussions, saying: “We are here to find a solution that brings peace and labour stability to this vital sector. Our goal is to resolve this matter in a way that benefits everyone — the workers, the management, and, most importantly, the Nigerian people.”

The conciliation meeting is expected to continue into the evening, with both parties urged to approach the negotiations with open minds and a shared commitment to industrial harmony. (The Nation)