JUST-IN: PENGASSAN suspends strike

The Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has called off its industrial action after the Federal Government intervened in its dispute with the Dangote Group.

PENGASSAN President, Festus Osifo, disclosed at a press briefing that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the union’s National Executive Council (NEC), which resolved to suspend the strike to allow the implementation of agreements reached during negotiations. He added that the move was also taken as a mark of respect for the Federal Government’s efforts in resolving the crisis.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, confirmed the truce, saying the Dangote Group has agreed to unionisation and will reabsorb the affected refinery workers into other companies within the Group without any loss of pay. He assured that no worker would be victimised over their role in the dispute.

The Federal Government’s mediation team included the National Security Adviser, Mallam Nuhu Ribadu; Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, Wale Edun; Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, Abubakar Atiku Bagudu; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; DG DSS, Adeola Ajayi; and DG NIA, Ambassador Mohammed Mohammed.

PENGASSAN hailed the resolution as a major step towards restoring industrial peace in the oil and gas sector.