PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery: Civil Society Calls Parties To Sheathe The Sword, Seeks Lasting solutions

By Oluwaferanmi Bello

A Coalition of civil society in Osun state, The Osun Mastermind (TOM) has emphasised the urgent need for mediation to achieve lasting solution to the rift between the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and Dangote Refinery.

Speaking with newsmen, the Executive Director of The Osun Mastermind, Prof. Wasiu Oyedokun-Alli raised concerns on labour rights and undue disruption in the operation of Dangote Refinery.

However, commenting on the lingering rift between PENGASSAN and the Dangote Refinery, Prof. Wasiu stressed that both parties share responsibility for the escalation of the dispute.

“We must be clear: both parties share in the blame for the escalation of this dispute,” Prof. Wasiu stated.

He explained that the industrial action by PENGASSAN is within the constitutional rights of the union to seek the welfare of its members. However, he noted that it also affects the rights of private investors and business owners to determine the administrative style of their enterprises.

Prof. Wasiu cautioned that Dangote Refinery should not be pressured into granting blanket approval for unionization, as some workers might not be comfortable with such a development.

“The responsibility lies with the Federal Government, which must not fold its arms while such a critical matter threatens the already fragile economic stability of the country,” he said.

He, therefore called on the Federal Ministry of Labour, the Ministry of Petroleum Resources, and the Presidency to urgently mediate between the two parties.

Prof. Wasiu further added that a fair and lasting resolution must be reached—one that guarantees workers’ rights while ensuring the sustained, uninterrupted operations of the refinery.

According to him, “A smooth resolution to the ongoing feud will also restore confidence in the hearts of prospective investors, sending a signal that we have the capacity to manage periodic instability of this nature to protect business interests and investments.”

Counselling both parties, TOM emphasised the importance of dialogue and urged them to remain committed to it in the best interest of the country’s economy.