The Federal Government is currently holding a closed-door meeting with the leadership of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) and representatives of Dangote Refinery at the Conference Hall of the Ministry of Labour and Employment, Abuja.

The meeting, convened at the instance of the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammad Maigari Dingyadi, is aimed at resolving the ongoing rift between PENGASSAN and Dangote Refinery.

PENGASSAN’s delegation is being led by its President, Comrade Festus Osifo, alongside the General Secretary of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Dr. Nuhu Toro. The Federal Government’s team is headed by Minister Dingyadi.

Recall that the Federal Government had on Sunday summoned both parties to an emergency meeting following reports of a fresh dispute that has heightened tension in the oil and gas sector.

Although the meeting was scheduled to commence at 2:00 p.m., it eventually began at about 3:50 p.m. after the delayed arrival of key stakeholders, before proceeding into a closed-door session.

In his opening remarks, Minister Dingyadi stressed the importance of the dialogue, noting: “What’s happening today is very dear to our economy and to the security of the country. We have been informed that PENGASSAN is on strike.”