Korede Abdullah 
ABUJA, Nigeria – The Federal Government has brokered a settlement with the Dangote Group to redeploy refinery workers earlier disengaged, averting an escalating labour crisis.
Labour Minister, Dr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi confirmed Wednesday that staff will be reassigned within Dangote companies without loss of pay. “No worker will be victimised for their role in the impasse. Redeployment begins immediately,” he said.
The resolution followed weeks of tension with the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), whose strike disrupted crude oil and gas supplies.
“Both parties agreed in good faith to this compromise. PENGASSAN will call off its strike,” Dingyadi added.
The union had accused Dangote of unfair dismissals, mass transfers, and replacing Nigerian workers with expatriates, claims the company denied, citing operational restructuring.
Observers say the settlement safeguards jobs while averting potential energy disruptions. “Had the standoff continued, the entire sector would have suffered,” said economist Dr Ayo Balogun.
The government stressed respect for workers’ union rights, noting Nigeria’s laws guarantee unionisation.
Analysts believe the deal sets a precedent for dispute resolution in Nigeria’s energy sector.
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