The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its two-day strike as of Tuesday, following a meeting with representatives from the Federal Government and the Dangote Group. The strike, which had caused fuel supply disruptions in several parts of the country, was called off after the parties reached a resolution.
NUPENG’s National President, Williams Akporeha, confirmed the suspension in a conversation with one of our correspondents. After an initial meeting on Monday ended without a resolution, the Ministry of Labour convened another round of talks on Tuesday, involving more stakeholders.
Among those present at the Tuesday meeting were representatives of the Dangote Group led by Sayyu Dantata, officials from the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), and other relevant parties. The outcome of the meeting was formalized in a signed agreement, with the Dangote Refinery consenting to allow its employees to unionise.
The statement read in part:
“Following the threat of industrial action by NUPENG over the refusal of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited to permit unionisation of its workers, a conciliation meeting was held at the request of the Minister of Labour and Employment. During the meeting, the management of Dangote affirmed that it was not opposed to its employees joining recognised labour unions, in accordance with applicable labour laws.
“After extensive discussions, both parties agreed that unionisation is a right protected under existing labour laws. Consequently, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals committed to allowing workers who wish to unionise to do so.
“The unionisation process is to begin immediately and be concluded within two weeks between September 9 and 22, 2025. It was also agreed that the employer will not create or endorse any alternative union. Furthermore, no employee will face retaliation as a result of the strike notice.”
The parties also agreed to report back to the Minister of Labour one week after the process is completed. Based on the terms of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), NUPENG has suspended its strike with immediate effect.
The MoU was signed by Sayyu Dantata (Dangote Group), Williams Akporeha and Afolabi Olawale (NUPENG), OK Ukoha (NMDPRA), Amos Falonipe (Federal Ministry of Labour), and representatives from the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) and Trade Union Congress (TUC).
Despite the suspension, the strike had already impacted fuel distribution across the country, with many petrol stations shut as of Tuesday. NUPENG had previously announced the industrial action on Friday, citing concerns that Dangote planned to bar drivers of its 4,000 trucks from joining the union.
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