The Nigerian government has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to cancel its planned nationwide strike, scheduled to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025. The strike is a result of an ongoing dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour activities.

According to Muhammad Dingyadi, the Minister of Labour and Employment, the petroleum sector is crucial to the Nigerian economy, and a shutdown would have significant consequences. Dingyadi has intervened in the dispute, calling for a meeting between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery on Monday to resolve the issues.

NUPENG had directed its members to down tools last week, accusing Dangote Refinery of planning to enslave Nigerian workers. The union has insisted on proceeding with the strike, despite the government’s appeal. However, the National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, confirmed that a meeting with the Federal Government and Dangote Refinery is scheduled for Monday at 3 pm.

The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had issued a “red alert” in solidarity with oil workers under NUPENG, but Dingyadi has urged the NLC to withdraw the alert. The Minister’s intervention aims to prevent a nationwide strike and find a resolution to the dispute.

Meanwhile, a group called Rights for Human Dignity and Justice (RHDAJ) has accused NUPENG leaders of plotting to burn imported Compressed Natural Gas trucks belonging to Dangote Refinery. However, Akporeha has dismissed the claim as false and propaganda allegedly sponsored by Dangote Refinery.

The dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery has significant implications for the Nigerian economy, and the government’s intervention is aimed at finding a swift resolution. The meeting scheduled for Monday is expected to address the issues and find a way forward. The outcome of the meeting will be crucial in determining the next steps and preventing a potentially damaging strike.