FG brokers peace deal between PENGASSAN, Dangote

The Federal Government says it has resolved the dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN).

Peace was brokered by the Federal Government following two days of negotiation sessions.

Government representatives at the meeting included the National Security Adviser (NSA), Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Senator Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; Director-General of the DSS, Adeola Ajayi, and the Director-General of the NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

Top officials of Dangote Refinery and PENGASSAN were also present.

A statement by Dingyadi on Wednesday revealed that the issue had been resolved.

The statement reads, “The Honourable Minister of Labour informed the meeting that unionisation is a right of workers in accordance with the laws of Nigeria, and this right should be respected.

“After examining the procedure used in the disengagement of workers, the meeting agreed that the management of Dangote Group shall immediately begin the process of redeploying the disengaged staff to other companies within the Dangote Group, with no loss of pay.

“No worker will be victimised arising from their role in the impasse between Dangote and PENGASSAN.

“PENGASSAN agreed to start the process of calling off the strike. Both parties agreed to this understanding in good faith.”