Inside the Overnight Mediation That Stopped the Oil Union Strike

The nationwide oil-sector strike led by PENGASSAN has been suspended. The outcome was forged in Abuja during an overnight mediation that ran into the early hours, with government heavyweights, union leaders, and Dangote Refinery representatives in the same room. 

Around the table were PENGASSAN’s national officers led by President Festus Osifo; a Dangote Refinery delegation including senior HR and operations executives; and key federal officials, the National Security Adviser, senior security officials, the Minister of Labour and Employment (as chief conciliator)

the Minister of Finance, the Minister of Budget and Economic Planning, heads of major petroleum regulatory agencies, and the Permanent Secretary of the Petroleum Ministry. 

The Labour Ministry hosted and minuted the proceedings; security aides maintained a tight corridor, underscoring the stakes for fuel supply and macroeconomic stability.

The hard sticking points

Reinstatement vs. review:

PENGASSAN pushed for the immediate recall of over 800 workers.The company argued for a case-by-case review, citing internal reorganisation and alleged safety concerns.

Union access and recognition:

The union sought unhindered access to members and a clear pathway for recognition and dues deduction. Management wanted assurance that joining remains voluntary, with no coercion and with procedures aligned to company policy and law.

Non-victimisation guarantees:

PENGASSAN demanded written protection against retaliation for workers who organised or spoke up during the dispute. The company preferred broader language on workplace fairness rather than issue-specific guarantees.

Enforcement and who “signs”:

The initial communique was signed by the government alone, reflecting the union’s view that it contained loopholes. PENGASSAN would not co-sign without firmer enforcement triggers; the company resisted clauses it considered one-sided.

Continuity of operations:

The government insisted that critical units and feedstock flows remain stable to avoid fuel-supply shocks. The union agreed in principle, but tied that to the employer taking good-faith steps.

The compromises that made the pause possible

Conditional suspension, immediate monitoring:

PENGASSAN agreed to suspend the strike out of respect for institutions and the public interest, while reserving the right to resume without notice if the employer or any party breaches the agreed steps.

Short timelines, not open-ended promises:

The room converged on near-term milestones (days, not months) for verification of the affected workers, union access protocols, and an implementation review under Labour’s watch.

A clearer pathway on recognition and access:

Rather than a blanket concession, the parties leaned toward a documented process: how workers opt in, how dues are handled, where union officers can meet members on site, and how disputes move to rapid conciliation.

Non-retaliation framed as compliance duty:

Instead of naming individual cases in the communique, the parties accepted language that prohibits victimisation and channels complaints to a joint review mechanism with Labour as referee.

Operations shielded, communication improved:

Management reaffirmed continuity of safety-critical operations and a single point of contact for incident reporting; the union agreed to escalate concerns through structured channels before any fresh action.