The Federal Government has announced that Dangote Group will redeploy workers who were recently disengaged from its refinery operations, following mediation between the company, the PENGASSAN union, and government officials.

According to a statement from government sources, the redeployment will occur across Dangote subsidiaries and will be effected without any loss of pay or seniority. The move is part of an agreement brokered to resolve the industrial dispute that erupted following mass dismissals at Africa’s largest refinery.

The accord marks a breakthrough in the standoff between Dangote and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), which had threatened a nationwide strike in protest of what it described as unfair dismissals. Under the agreement, PENGASSAN committed to begin the process of calling off the strike.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, emphasized that the government’s intervention was aimed at protecting the country’s vital petroleum sector. He urged both parties to maintain the spirit of dialogue and mutual respect going forward.

In a related development, PENGASSAN acknowledged the agreement and announced its intention to suspend the strike while ensuring the protection of workers’ rights. The union also received assurances that no employee would be victimized for their role in the dispute.

The dispute had threatened to disrupt crude and gas supplies to the refinery and raised concerns about fuel shortages and broader economic impact. With this resolution, stakeholders hope stability will return, and operations will resume without further disruption.