The Federal Government, through the Ministry of Labour and Employment, has initiated a reconciliation meeting to resolve the ongoing dispute between Dangote Refinery and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria.

The meeting, chaired by Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi, brings together leadership from PENGASSAN, Dangote Refinery, the Minister of Finance, and key directors from the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission and Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority.

Dingyadi emphasized the importance of resolving the dispute to prevent adverse effects on the Nigerian population. Expressing surprise at the magnitude of the strike, he noted that PENGASSAN’s action had resulted in the closure of oil and gas institutions, including the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited.

“This is the realization of the fact that what is happening today is cherished to this country, very dear to our economy,” Dingyadi said.

“We know that PENGASSAN are very peaceful, and we know for a very long time and we consider them as friends, and people who wish this country well. We also have the same feeling for the Dangote group, they have been contributing to the economy of this country, and they have been doing very well in terms of business relationship with the government of this country,” the minister added. The goal, he said, is to resolve the issues amicably for the benefit of all parties involved and the nation.

The strike, which began on Monday, has disrupted activities in several oil and gas institutions. Staff members were denied access to their offices at the Nigerian Upstream Petroleum Regulatory Commission, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority, and NNPCL.

Dingyadi urged both parties to approach the meeting with a spirit of compromise and mutual respect, assuring that the government is committed to finding a solution that satisfies all stakeholders and safeguards national interests.