The Ministry of Labour and Employment, in a statement issued on Sunday, urged PENGASSAN to reconsider its planned nationwide strike, warning that such industrial action would impose a heavy toll on the nation’s fragile economy.
The dispute intensified at the weekend after PENGASSAN ordered its members to withdraw their services in protest against the alleged dismissal of at least 800 union members by the refinery.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Dr. Yusuf Dingyadi, cautioned that the crisis could undermine both economic stability and national security if left unresolved. He appealed to the union to suspend its strike notice to allow room for dialogue.
“The Ministry of Labour and Employment, through the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, has extended invitations to the leadership of PENGASSAN and the management of Dangote Refinery to attend a conciliation meeting in my office on Monday,” the Minister said.
He further reminded both sides of the critical importance of the petroleum sector to Nigeria’s economy, stressing that disruptions would not only cause massive revenue losses but also deepen hardship for citizens.
Patience Onuobia, spokesperson of the Ministry, quoted the Minister as saying: “A strike will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country but also cause more hardship and difficulties for Nigerians. Consequentially, it will have adverse impacts, both on economic stability and national security.”
