Abuja: The President of PENGASSAN, Mr. Festus Osifo, announced the suspension of the union's ongoing strike action after a National Executive Council (NEC) meeting. The strike was initially initiated following the dismissal of over 800 Nigerian workers by Dangote Petrochemicals and Fertiliser Limited after they joined PENGASSAN.
According to News Agency of Nigeria, Osifo criticized the dismissals as a violation of workers' constitutional rights and Nigeria's obligations under International Labour Organisation (ILO) conventions, which uphold the freedom of association. Osifo emphasized that any breach of the agreement reached with Dangote Group could lead to the immediate resumption of the suspended strike.
Osifo mentioned that the NEC decided to suspend the strike out of respect for state institutions, despite concerns regarding potential loopholes in the government-mediated agreement with Dangote management. He stated that PENGASSAN aims to be seen as patriotic, law-abiding, and dedicated to maintaining national economic stability.
The union's primary demand was the complete reinstatement of the workers who were dismissed. However, the government suggested redeployment within other related companies owned by the Dangote Group as a compromise. Osifo expressed reservations about the settlement but highlighted that the priority was to ensure the affected workers could resume earning and supporting their families.
Osifo cautioned that PENGASSAN would not be deceived by unfulfilled promises or prolonged delays. He stressed that the union would not wait indefinitely if the agreement is not honored.