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  • NUPENG, Dangote in second DSS-brokered meeting, suspension of industrial action sustained

    NUPENG, Dangote in second DSS-brokered meeting, suspension of industrial action sustained

    Officials of Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Friday again met with officials of Dangote refineries in meeting brokered again by the Department of State Services (DSS) in Abuja. 

    The parties had met with other relevant stakeholders on Tuesday, September 9, 2025 and the engagement had culminated in calling off the industrial action embarked on by NUPENG.

    A source disclosed to The Nation on Friday that the second meeting was to streamline the agreements reached in the first meeting.

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    “Yes, the meeting held this evening between 3 and 5. The decision to suspend the strike was sustained. The first meeting held about two days ago. There was need to work on the agreement entered in the first meeting, so that’s why the meeting was held. As far as I can tell, they just fell back to the resolutions of September 9,” the source said. 

    After hours of deliberation on the September 9 meeting, both parties resolved to uphold existing labour laws, with emphasis that employees must not be compelled to join any union, and should retain the freedom to either affiliate with or decline membership of any labour body.

    Other outstanding issues of contention were also resolved, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by all stakeholders.

    The agreement led to the immediate suspension of NUPENG’s strike action, which had threatened to disrupt petroleum supply and distribution across the country.

  • NUPENG blocks loading in Dangote Refinery

    NUPENG blocks loading in Dangote Refinery

    The recently brokered peace by the Ministry of Labour and Employment between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery may be short-lived as NUPENG yesterday threatened to resume industrial action.

    NUPENG, in an issued statement yesterday accused Dangote Refinery of negating the resolutions reached at the peace meeting.

    The union, in its statement, accused Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata, the founder of MRS holdings, of instructing all his Truck drivers who are NUPENG-PTD members for several years to remove the union stickers from their trucks yesterday, and subsequently “instructed them to forcefully drive into Dangote Refinery to load.”

    The statement further explained that NUPENG officials stopped the trucks entering the Dangote Refinery to load because “their trucks violated Union loading rules and regulations.”

    At this point, the union alleged that Dantata then invited the Navy to come over “ostensibly to crush the Union officials.”

    But responding to the allegation, Dangote Petroleum Refinery, in a statement last night, dismissed recent allegations made by the NUPENG, insisting that claims of anti-labour practices, monopolistic behaviour, and planned fuel price hikes are “entirely unfounded.”

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    In its official response, Dangote Refinery reiterated its full support for constitutionally protected labour rights, stating that employees are free to affiliate with any recognised trade union. “Assertions that drivers are compelled to waive union rights are categorically false,” the statement said, adding that the dispute involves NUPENG’s Petrol Tanker Drivers (PTD) unit and does not implicate the refinery in any breach of rights,” the statement said.

    The NUPENG statement, signed by NUPENG’s President, Akporeha Williams and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, also accused the Dangote Refinery of working against the agreement.

    The statement, titled: “Dangote Empire Negates Resolutions Reached On 9th September 2025,” issued by NUPENG yesterday, read: “This is to alert the general public and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that notwithstanding the resolution reached and signed at the office of the DSS with three Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Deputy Director General of the DSS in attendance on the right of unionisation of the workers, Alhaji Sayyu Aliu Dantata on Wednesday, 10th September, 2025 instructed all his Truck Drivers who are NUPENG-PTD members for several years to remove the Union Stickers from their trucks yesterday.

    “Today, Thursday (yesterday), 11th September, 2025, he instructed them to forcefully drive into Dangote Refinery to load and Union officials stopped them from entering the Refinery to load because their trucks violated Union loading rules and regulations.

    “Alh Sayyu Aliu Dantata flew over them several times with his helicopter and then called the Navy of the Federal Republic to come over ostensibly to crush the Union officials.

    “Our members are waiting for him and his agents to run them over. We call on everyone to let Alh Sayyu Aliu Dantata know that he is not bigger than the Federal Republic of Nigeria and we strongly condemn his arrogant attitude towards official institutions of this great country and blatant lack of respect for the laws of this country. We call on the Federal Government not to allow the Navy and other security agents being paid by the resources of this country to be used with impunity against the laws and people of this country. Security agents should not allow an individual to ride roughshod with impunity even while not observing terms of agreement reached in meetings in which security agents facilitated along with Ministers of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    “We are by this statement placing all our members on red alert for the resumption of the suspended nationwide industrial action and calling on the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, all Regional and Global Working people and Civil Society Organisations to rise in support and solidarity against this threat of the Capitalist world.

    “His wealth cannot make him above the law”

    “We assure the people and the government of the Federal Republic of Nigeria that NUPENG will continue to remain a patriotic, responsible and responsive organisation to this great country.”

    According to Dangote Refinery, central to NUPENG’s allegations is the roll-out of over 4,000 CNG-powered bulk trucks, which the union claims could displace existing jobs. Dangote Group firmly refuted this, describing the initiative as a cornerstone of Nigeria’s energy transition strategy.

    “The deployment of CNG-powered trucks is a strategic initiative designed to support national energy transition goals, not to displace existing jobs,” the company stated. Each truck will be operated by a six-person team, with drivers receiving salaries significantly above the national minimum wage, plus medical cover, pensions, housing allowances, and long-term access to housing loans. The company aims to have 10,000 such trucks in operation by year-end, potentially creating over 60,000 direct jobs.

    Responding to accusations of monopolistic behaviour, Dangote Refinery emphasised its compliance with Nigeria’s deregulated oil sector under the supervision of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).

    The company highlighted that over 30 refinery licences have been issued to private players, with active developments by BUA, Aradel, Walter Smith, and the Edo Refinery. “While we are major industry player, our presence has revitalised the downstream sector, reopened previously dormant petrol stations and restored investor confidence,” the management said.

    The statement also drew parallels with the company’s influence in the cement industry, noting that Dangote’s entry helped eliminate Nigeria’s reliance on imports and spurred the rise of other local producers.

    Dangote Refinery strongly denied any plans to increase fuel prices. On the contrary, the company claims its operations have stabilised fuel availability and driven down costs. Diesel prices, for instance, have dropped by over 30% in the past year, and petrol prices in Nigeria are now reportedly lower than in oil-rich nations like Saudi Arabia and 40% cheaper than neighbouring West African countries.

    The company also pointed to its N720 billion investment in CNG infrastructure as evidence of its commitment to reducing logistics costs and improving nationwide fuel distribution.

    Dangote stated it maintains a cordial and cooperative relationship with all recognised trade unions, including NUPENG. It rejected accusations of walking out on recent conciliation efforts, stating that the union had not formally communicated any grievances before going public.

    “We acknowledge and appreciate the intervention of the Federal Government, particularly the Ministry of Labour and Employment, and remain fully supportive of ongoing efforts to achieve a lasting resolution. We hold both the Minister, Dr Mohammed Dingyadi (Katuka Sokoto) and Mrs. Nkiruka Onyejeocha, in the highest regards, and reject any suggestion that we have acted in a manner that would undermine their involvement. The Hon. Minister granted Mallam Sayyu Dantata the permit to enable him attend to his medication,” the company said, expressing appreciation for the roles played by the Ministry of Labour and Employment and key ministers involved in mediating the dispute.

    With over 570,000 direct and indirect jobs created, including through road, power, and water infrastructure projects, Dangote Refinery has positioned itself as a centre for skills development and technology transfer in Nigeria.

    Reiterating its commitment to responsible business, Dangote Group concluded by dismissing the monopoly allegations as “recycled falsehoods”, urging other private sector players to follow its lead in investing in Nigeria’s economic future.

    “At Dangote, we have chosen to invest boldly in Nigeria’s future and we will continue to do so. It is time others follow suit.”

  • The NUPENG strike suspension and aversion of a financial crisis

    The NUPENG strike suspension and aversion of a financial crisis

    • By Kangiwa Abdullahi 

    The resolution of what threatened to be a major nationwide petrol supply disruption crisis has brought huge relief to Nigerians who feared the worst. 

    But perhaps a more damning scenario was feared: a derailment of the economic agenda of the government through the disruption of the economy’s main product with far-reaching multiplier effects. 

    This may explain the crucial role played by Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in resolving the dispute and averting a real crisis. 

    Overview of the Dispute 

    On September 8, 2025, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), representing fuel tanker drivers, initiated a strike against Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals. The action stemmed from allegations that the refinery was hiring new drivers on the condition that they refrain from joining unions, which NUPENG viewed as a violation of workers’ rights to unionise under Nigerian labour laws. Dangote’s management denied these claims, labelling them as “cheap blackmail,” but the dispute escalated tensions in Nigeria’s oil sector. 

    The refinery, Africa’s largest with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, has been pivotal in reducing the country’s reliance on imported petrol, but its operations have also sparked concerns over monopoly and friction with existing tanker operators, particularly related to the planned deployment of compressed natural gas-powered trucks.

    Read Also: Petrol stations in Port Harcourt reopen as NUPENG suspends strike

    The planned strike garnered significant support from domestic bodies like the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC). Despite the hiccup, Dangote’s spokesman, Anthony Chiejina, assured the public of no fuel shortages during ongoing talks.

    The Resolution Process

    The crisis was swiftly resolved through high-level interventions, culminating in the suspension of the strike with immediate effect. A key conciliation meeting was convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on Monday, September 8, 2025, involving NUPENG’s national executives, NLC and TUC representatives, and officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Dangote Group. This paved the way for a more decisive closed-door session presided over by the finance minister. 

    The outcome was a binding Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) that affirmed unionisation as a fundamental right under extant labor laws. It mandated the immediate commencement of the unionisation process for willing employees at both the refinery and petrochemicals divisions, to be completed within two weeks (September 9–22, 2025). Crucially, the agreement prohibited the employer from establishing any alternative unions and ensured no victimisation of workers arising from the strike notice. Parties are required to report progress to the Minister of Labour one week after the process concludes, ensuring accountability and follow-through.

    The MOU was signed by key figures, including:

    • Dangote Group representatives: Managing Director Sayyu Dantata, Ojimba Jibrin, and others.

    • NMDPRA: O.K. Ukoha.

    • Labor unions: Benson Upah (Acting NLC General Secretary), N.A. Toro (TUC), NUPENG President Akporeha Williams, and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale.

    • Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment: Amos Falonipe, Director of Trade Union Services & Industrial Relations, signing on behalf of the Minister.

    This resolution not only halted the immediate threat to fuel distribution but also reinforced labour protections in a strategically vital industry, potentially averting broader economic ripple effects.

    Wale Edun and The Fiscal Angle

    The participation of Wale Edun, Nigeria’s Minister of Finance and Coordinating Minister of the Economy, in the resolution process was instructive. He presided over the pivotal closed-door meeting which directly led to the agreement. This session included the DSS and NLC representatives, and was instrumental in bridging the gap between the unions and Dangote’s management. 

    Edun’s involvement was crucial not just for his authority but for what he represents: the federal government’s acute awareness of the economic stakes. As finance minister, he oversees fiscal policy and economic stability, and as coordinating minister, he aligns broader economic strategies. The strike, driven by NUPENG’s claims of anti-union practices at Dangote Refinery risked fuel shortages and price spikes, which could have possibly unravelled the administration’s much-touted economic reform agenda, tied to reducing reliance on imported petrol and stabilising inflation. Such a disruption would have hit Nigerians hard, escalating living costs and undermining confidence in reforms.

    By engaging in the mediation, Edun signalled the government’s recognition that a prolonged crisis could derail these goals and harm public welfare. His role, while subtle, lent high-level gravitas to the talks, reinforcing the urgency of a resolution. This cross-ministerial effort, alongside the Ministry of Labour, ensured the MOU’s swift adoption, protecting both workers’ rights and the economic well-being of Nigerians reliant on stable fuel markets. 

    It is hoped that going forward, the same template should be adopted to forestall crisis with real impact on the economy and the well-being of the Nigerian people.

    Kangiwa Abdullahi is a Kaduna-based policy analyst

  • Petrol stations in Port Harcourt reopen as NUPENG suspends strike

    Petrol stations in Port Harcourt reopen as NUPENG suspends strike

    Some petrol stations in Port Harcourt City have returned to business following the suspension of the strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG)

    A News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) survey conducted around the Port Harcourt metropolis on Wednesday, showed that many petrol stations were open for business.

    Recall that NUPENG directed its members to embark on strike over alleged anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery.

    The union had also accused the firm of planning to render its members jobless following moves to hire non-affiliated drivers.

    Some petrol station managers who spoke to NAN said that the reopening of their business outlets followed a directive from their union.

    At a major petrol station along Eleme Road, a manager who preferred anonymity, said that the alleged issue of victimisation of staff due to union membership should be given proper attention.

    “We are believing that all the issues raised have been given the right attention, this will ensure stability and harmony,” the manager said

    It would be recalled that Mr Billy Harry, the National President, Petrol Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria, issued a statement on Tuesday urging members to suspend the strike.

    Read Also: CNG sale points to be made compulsory at petrol stations

    Harry said that the decision to call off the strike followed intense negotiations between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery.

    “Based on the resolutions reached during the negotiations, we have to give a fresh directive to our members to open for business,” he said.

    Also speaking to NAN, Mr Ekene Kamsi, a commercial taxi driver, described the suspension of the strike as a welcome development.

    He said that the price of petrol increased unimaginably within 24 hours, saying,” we bought petrol at N1,800 per litre from roadside sellers”

    “With the suspension of the strike, we are hopeful that normalcy will return, we cannot afford further difficulties, we already have too many issues to grapple with,” he said.

    (NAN)

  • DSS-brokered truce ends NUPENG’s strike threat

    DSS-brokered truce ends NUPENG’s strike threat

    • Refinery workers free to join unions

    • Panic buying of petrol in Akure, Abakaliki

    The strike threat by unions, which would have thrown the oil sector into turmoil, fizzled out yesterday, following a truce brokered by the Directorate of State Services (DSS).

    Protesting Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited’s preclusion of its new drivers from becoming part of the labour union, National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) issued a threat of industrial action from Monday.

    Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) jumped into the fray, because Dangote Refinery had “become monopolistic” with its plan to supply petrol directly to filling stations.

    The Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) also on Monday said they would galvanise workers to back the strike in solidarity.

     A Monday night meeting by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, which lasted till the early hours of yesterday, ended in a stalemate. The unions and the refinery stuck to their guns, with Labour vowing to carry out its strike threat. The meeting brought together Dangote Refinery and the trade unions. 

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    But yesterday a meeting conveyed by DSS, attended by government officials and labour leaders, culminated in the termination of the strike threat to the relief of apprehensive Nigerians, who feared another round of petrol shortage.

    With the pact, workers of the refinery are free to be members of existing oil sector unions in the country.

    The decision to halt the strike came after a reconvened meeting, summoned by the Director-General of the DSS, Tosin Adeola Ajayi, in Abuja, yesterday.

     Labour and Employment Minister, Muhammad Dingyadi, who, on Monday, advised parties to the dispute not to toy with the oil sector, presided over the truce talks.  

    The minister, and NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed the end of the strike threat.

    “Action (strike) suspended in a meeting summoned by the Director-General of DSS, with ministers of Labour and Employment (Dingyadi) and Finance (Wale Edun), present, Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA) and Sayyu Dantata, leading Dangote management,” said the ministry.

    The MoU was signed by the Managing Director of Dangote Group, Sayyu Dantata;  Williams;  NUPENG’s General Secretary,  Afolabi Olawale, and the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations for the   Labour and Employment Minister, Falonipe Amos.

    Other signatories are Benson Upah, for the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); Nuhu Toro, for the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC); O.K. Ukoha, of NMDPRA, and Otunba Jibrin, from the Dangote Group.

    NUPENG last week directed its members to halt petroleum products distribution nationwide if the refinery management failed to allow them to form a union.

    The union accused the firm and its associates, under the Dangote Group, of “crude and dangerous anti-union practice, a monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.”

    Besides alleging that the company did not want the drivers it recruited for direct distribution of products to filling stations to join industrial unions, NUPENG added that the refinery management pays some of the lowest wages in the oil sector.

    The union said the recruitment terms are not in tandem with Section 40 of the Constitution, the Labour Act and International Labour Organisation’s conventions on freedom of association.

    According to a document on the MOU, all processes relating to unionisation by the refinery workers must be completed in two weeks (September 9 – 22) by the parties. A week was given to them to respond to the minister of Labour and Employment.

    The MOU reads: “Following the threat to embark on industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) over the following points in dispute: Refusal of the Management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited to allow their employees to be unionised by registered labour unions, a conciliation meeting was held at the instance of the minister of Labour and Employment.

    “It was shown in the course of the meeting that the management agreed with this fact and responded that it is not averse to unionisation of its employees by labour unions in tandem with provisions of the extant labour laws.

    “After exhaustive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached by both parties: that since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and the unionisation of employees of Petrochemicals willing to unionise.

    “That the process of unionisation shall commence immediately and be completed in two weeks (9th – 22nd September 9 -22), and it was agreed that the employer will not set up any other union.

    “Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals will be victimised.

    “Parties will revert to the minister of Labour a week after conclusion of the engagement. Based on the MoU, NUPENG agreed to suspend the industrial action with immediate effect.”

    Early yesterday, many fuel marketers shut their stations in Akure, Ondo State and Abakaliki, Ebonyi State, triggering long queues in the few that operated.

    Attendants at the stations, which dispensed the product, capitalised on the desperation of motorists and other users to hike pump prices in the two cities.

    The DSS, under the leadership of Mr. Ajayi, has been civil in its operations. It places less emphasis on the use of force, opting for legal options.

  • NUPENG calls off strike after DSS- brokered truce with govt, unions

    NUPENG calls off strike after DSS- brokered truce with govt, unions

    The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called off its industrial action after the Department of State Services (DSS) brokered a truce between the Federal Government, oil industry stakeholders, and organised labour.

    It was gathered  that the resolution followed a high-level meeting convened in Abuja with key government officials, representatives of Dangote Refinery, and leaders of major trade unions.

    Those in attendance were Minister of Finance, Mr Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mr Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Mrs Nkeiruka Onyejeocha; and the Dangote Refinery delegation led by Alhaji Sayyu Dantata.

    Also present were labour leaders.includinh Mr Akpouha Williams of NUPENG, Mr Benson Upah of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and Dr NA Toto, mni+, of the Trade Union Congress (TUC).

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    After hours of deliberation, both parties resolved to uphold existing labour laws, with emphasis that employees must not be compelled to join any union, and should retain the freedom to either affiliate with or decline membership of any labour body.

    Other outstanding issues of contention were also resolved, culminating in the signing of a memorandum of understanding (MoU) by all stakeholders.

    The agreement led to the immediate suspension of NUPENG’s strike action, which had threatened to disrupt petroleum supply and distribution across the country.

    Government officials hailed the outcome as a significant step towards industrial peace, while labour leaders reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights within the boundaries of the law.

  • Minister seeks end to NUPENG, Dangote feud

    Minister seeks end to NUPENG, Dangote feud

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has said that the oil industry is too vital to Nigeria’s economy to be subjected to industrial unrest or corporate policies that threaten peace and stability.

     Dingyadi stated this in his opening remark at the commencement of a conciliation meeting convened by the Federal Government to end the nationwide strike declared by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) against Dangote refinery and petrochemicals. 

    The meeting, which commenced around 5:15 p.m, was attended by the Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha, senior officials of the Ministry, representatives of NUPENG, as well as leaders of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC). 

    A representative from Dangote group is also present at the meeting which has entered into a closed door session. 

    NUPENG on Monday declared a nationwide indefinite strike over what it described as Dangote Group’s alleged anti-union practices, specifically the alleged refusal to allow tanker drivers employed by the company to join the union.

    The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have thrown their weight behind NUPENG, warning that the issue goes beyond a single company and strikes at the heart of labour rights in the country.

    READ ALSO: TUC threatens nationwide strike over 5% petroleum tax

    Speaking before the meeting went behind closed doors, Dingyadi emphasised the urgent need for restraint and constructive dialogue, stressing that the dispute had far-reaching implications for Nigeria’s economy and citizens. 

    “The oil industry is not a sector that we play with. It is very important to the economy of our country and to our people.

    “I want to appeal to all parties to come to this negotiation table with open minds, listening ears, and a commitment to finding common ground. Only by accommodating each other’s views can we reach a resolution that will prevent disruption and protect our national interest.”

    The Labour Minister described the dispute as deeply concerning, given the essential role of the oil and gas sector in sustaining the nation’s revenue, energy supply, and transportation systems. 

    He urged NUPENG and the Dangote Group to avoid escalating tensions and to consider the hardship that a nationwide shutdown of petroleum distribution would cause millions of Nigerians. 

    “What we are discussing today is very, very important to the peace and stability of our country,” Dingyadi said, adding that the government was determined to mediate fairly while upholding the rights of workers and the operational concerns of employers.

    NUPENG’s decision to embark on the strike followed weeks of failed negotiations with Dangote Group. 

    The union accused the conglomerate of introducing policies that violate the Nigerian Constitution, the Labour Act, and international labour conventions by allegedly preventing workers, particularly truck drivers, from exercising their right to freedom of association and union membership. 

    The Dangote Group has denied the allegations, insisting that it respects workers’ rights and operates in line with Nigerian labour laws. 

    The company claims that an alternative drivers’ association, which is not affiliated with NUPENG, has been established to represent the interests of its workforce. 

    However, NUPENG has dismissed the move as a ploy to weaken organised labour and maintain control over employees.

    Petroleum retailers under the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have also expressed concern over the dispute, with some threatening to suspend operations if the matter is not quickly resolved.

  • Dangote: Fed Govt  pleads with  NUPENG to shelve planned strike

    Dangote: Fed Govt  pleads with  NUPENG to shelve planned strike

    • Minister to meet union, others

    The Federal Government yesterday appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to shelve its planned nationwide strike over alleged “anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda and indecent industrial relations strategies by the management of  Dangote Petroleum Refinery and Petrochemicals.  

    Today was given by the union, which also sought President Bola Tinubu’s intervention, as the strike’s commencement date.     

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, who made the plea to NUPENG,  also called on the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw its red alert to its affiliate unions to be on standby for solidarity with the union.

    NUPENG  is particularly peeved by the decision of the refinery’s management to bar newly recruited  drivers of its newly imported Compressed Natural Gas (CNG) trucks from belonging to any existing union in the oil and gas industry.

    The management had explained that direct distribution of petroleum products through the CNG trucks to retailers would eliminate logistics costs, enhance energy efficiency, promote sustainability and support the country’s economic development.

    Read Also: Resident doctors threaten indefinite strike over unmet demands

    In  a statement by the Head, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia, the minister said he had summoned a conciliatory meeting with all the parties for today.

    Dingyadi said:  “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow.

    “I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG.

    “The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the country’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse consequential impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country, running into billions of Naira, but also cause untold hardship and difficulties for Nigerians.

    “Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved.”

    The minister assured Nigerians that the dispute would be resolved to ensure that no disruption occurred in the petroleum sector, which is vital to the Nigerian economy.

    The  NLC  and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) had on Saturday urged President Bola Tinubu to intervene in the face-off.

     In a statement by its President, Joe Ajaero,  the NLC said the President needed to   “immediately call Aliko Dangote and Alhaji Sayyu Dantata to order” and impress on them to respect national and international labour laws.

    The Congress warned that the government should not look the other way while a few individuals privatise the nation’s energy future and enslave its workforce.

    It said: “The NLC unequivocally condemn the anti-union, anti-worker, and monopolistic practices of the Dangote Group and its affiliates. Nigerian workers are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences. 

    “If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action.”

  • Dangote: FG appeals to NUPENG to shelve planned strike

    Dangote: FG appeals to NUPENG to shelve planned strike

    …as Labour minister invites all parties for a conciliatory meeting

    The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to shelve its planned nationwide strike expected to start on Monday, September 8, 2025 over a dispute with Dangote Group over the company’s policy against unionisation by its employees.

    The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi made the appeal in a statement signed by Head, Information and Public Relations of the ministry, Patience Onuobia on Sunday in Abuja. 

    The minister also pleaded with the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for the nationwide strike in solidarity with the petroleum workers, who are protesting alleged anti-workers and anti-union agenda of the Dangote Group.

    Dingyadi said that since the ministry has intervened in the dispute, the unions should shelve their plan of “shutting down the petroleum industry, with a view to maintaining peace in this highly critical sector of the Nigerian economy.”

    READ ALSO: How Nigeria can achieve ICT’s 21% GDP target – MTN boss

    Dingyadi stated: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow. 

    “I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG.

    “The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the country’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse consequential impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses by the country, running into billions of Naira, but also cause untold hardship and difficulties for Nigerians.

    “Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved.”

    The minister assured Nigerians that the dispute will be resolved harmoniously to ensure that no disruption occurs in the petroleum sector which is vital to the Nigerian economy.

  • Dangote refineries: Economic rights activists condemn NUPENG, NLC over threats of nationwide strike

    Dangote refineries: Economic rights activists condemn NUPENG, NLC over threats of nationwide strike

    The Economic Rights Activists (ERA) has condemned the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), and other affiliated unions for their planned nationwide strike, which threatened to disrupt fuel distribution and cripple Nigeria’s economic life. 

    During a briefing in Abuja, ERA’s Executive Director, Dr. Josiah Inuwa, described the proposed industrial action as a “reckless and unpatriotic” assault on the Nigerian people, warning that it would inflict severe hardship on millions while potentially serving the interests of economic saboteurs. 

    The unions’ grievances stem from alleged anti-union practices at the Dangote Refinery and accusations of monopolistic control in the downstream petroleum sector. 

    Inuwa argued that the strike would primarily harm ordinary citizens—small business owners, transport operators, and families—rather than corporate giants. 

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    “The okada rider in Enugu, the pepper seller in Osun, the teacher in Kaduna, and the mechanic in Port Harcourt will bear the brunt,” he stated. “Transport fares will skyrocket, food prices will soar, hospitals will lose power, and small businesses will collapse. This is not a fight for justice—it is a direct attack on the Nigerian people.” 

    The ERA highlighted the devastating impact of past oil sector strikes, such as the 2012 fuel subsidy protests and the 2020 industrial actions, which cost the economy billions of naira daily and deepened recessionary pressures. 

    The group warned that the proposed strike could trigger similar losses, threatening Nigeria’s fragile economic recovery under President Bola Ahmed Tinubu’s reforms. 

    Inuwa raised concerns about the timing of the strike, noting its alignment with efforts by vested interests to undermine Nigeria’s push for energy self-sufficiency through the Dangote Refinery, a critical step toward ending decades of reliance on imported fuel. 

    “Whether knowingly or not, NLC, NUPENG, and PETROAN risk becoming pawns of cartels that profit from the status quo,” he said, accusing these groups of orchestrating sabotage to derail the refinery’s success. 

    The ERA also accused union leaders of hypocrisy, pointing to the disconnect between their public rhetoric and private privileges. 

    “Many of these leaders drive in convoys while the masses trek,” Dr. Inuwa remarked. “They negotiate secret deals behind closed doors while claiming to fight for justice in public squares.” 

    He criticised the unions for bypassing civilized dispute resolution mechanisms like arbitration and dialogue, instead resorting to “blackmail” that holds the nation’s fuel supply hostage. “Why choose to strangle a fragile economy at its jugular?” he questioned. “This approach is reckless and unacceptable.” 

    In response, the ERA demanded that NLC, NUPENG, PETROAN, and other unions immediately suspend the strike and return to the negotiation table to resolve grievances through dialogue. 

    They urged President Tinubu, the Ministry of Labour, and relevant agencies to stand firm against union pressure while facilitating constructive engagement. 

    The group also called on Dangote Refinery to transparently address worker concerns regarding unionization and labor conditions, balancing its role as a strategic national asset with fair labor practices. 

    Additionally, the ERA urged the National Industrial Court and the Department of State Services (DSS) to establish mechanisms to deter irresponsible strike threats that weaponize critical sectors like oil and gas. 

    They appealed to the National Assembly to summon all parties involved to ensure transparency and investigate potential sabotage by cartels profiting from Nigeria’s fuel import dependency. 

    Addressing Nigerians directly, Dr. Inuwa called for vigilance against manipulation by “empty rhetoric,” emphasizing that the strike threat is not a noble struggle but a calculated move for control and monopoly. 

    “This is not about workers’ rights—it is about sabotage,” he warned. Praising President Tinubu’s economic reforms as deliberate steps toward recovery, he cautioned that such progress is too fragile to withstand another disruption.