The Federal Government has stepped in to avert a looming nationwide industrial crisis following the faceoff between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and the Dangote Refinery. Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, announced on Sunday that both parties have been summoned to an emergency conciliation meeting on Monday, September 29, 2025, at his office in Abuja.

In a statement signed by Patience Onuobia, Head of Information and Public Relations at the ministry, Dingyadi appealed to PENGASSAN to suspend its planned strike slated to begin tomorrow. He stressed that the petroleum sector is the lifeline of Nigeria’s economy, warning that any shutdown would result in massive revenue losses, deepen hardship for citizens, and pose threats to national security. The Minister assured Nigerians that government remains committed to resolving the dispute peacefully and in the country’s best interest.

PENGASSAN, however, has maintained a tough stance, insisting that the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers and their replacement with “over 2,000 Indians” is a violation of Nigeria’s labour laws and international conventions. In a circular signed by its General Secretary, Lumumba Okugbawa, the union directed all members to down tools nationwide from 12:01 a.m. on Monday, vowing that no intervention will be entertained unless safety is at risk. With the refinery at the heart of Nigeria’s fuel supply chain, all eyes are now on Monday’s talks to see if government mediation can prevent a crippling strike.

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