NUPENG Insists on Strike Despite FG Intervention Over Dangote Refinery Dispute

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has confirmed it will commence its planned nationwide strike today (Monday), despite last-minute efforts by the Federal Government to prevent disruptions in fuel supply.

NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, told The PUNCH that although the government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Company Limited (NNPC) had reached out for talks, the union would proceed with the action pending the outcome of a conciliation meeting scheduled for later today in Abuja.

“The Federal Government and the NNPC are reaching out, but there is nothing concrete yet. Yes, the strike starts Monday morning as planned,” Akporeha insisted.

Why the Strike

The union’s grievance stems from the Dangote Petroleum Refinery’s plan to import 4,000 compressed natural gas-powered trucks to directly distribute fuel. NUPENG accused the refinery of anti-labour practices, including recruiting new drivers under terms that allegedly forbid them from joining any trade union.

According to NUPENG, attempts by the union and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners to get Dangote Group to reconsider were ignored. It further alleged that MRS Oil, owned by Dangote’s cousin, had begun hiring drivers for the trucks and compelling them to sign undertakings not to join oil and gas unions.

FG Appeals for Suspension

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, urged NUPENG and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to suspend the strike, warning that any shutdown of petroleum operations would inflict “untold hardship” on Nigerians and cost the government billions of naira in daily revenue losses.

Dingyadi said: “The petroleum sector is the backbone of Nigeria’s economy. A strike, even for just a day, will have an adverse impact. I plead with NUPENG to allow peace to prevail while the government brokers a solution acceptable to all parties.”

Marketers, Labour Back Strike

Fuel marketers have already signalled support for the action. The Petroleum Products Retail Outlet Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) announced it would suspend lifting and sales from Tuesday, citing solidarity with tanker drivers and concerns about monopoly in the downstream sector.

NLC President, Joe Ajaero, also issued a “red alert” to affiliate unions, describing Dangote’s reported anti-union stance as “crude and dangerous.” Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), backed NUPENG, stressing that denying drivers the right to unionise violates the Constitution, labour laws, and international conventions.

Counter-Voices

However, civil society groups such as the Economic Rights Activists (ERA) have urged unions to shelve the strike, warning that ordinary Nigerians would suffer most. ERA Executive Director, Dr. Josiah Inuwa, said: “Transport fares will skyrocket, food prices will soar, hospitals will lose power, and small businesses will collapse. This is not justice—it is punishment for the masses.”

ERA accused labour of playing into the hands of cartels opposed to the Dangote Refinery project, which is expected to reduce Nigeria’s reliance on imported fuel.

Next Steps

As the strike commences, all eyes are on the Abuja conciliation meeting, where government officials, NUPENG leaders, and representatives of the Dangote Group are expected to negotiate a truce to avert prolonged fuel scarcity.