The Nigerian government has appealed to the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to cancel its planned nationwide strike, which was set to begin on Monday, September 8, 2025. The strike stems from an ongoing dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery over alleged anti‑labour activities.
Minister of Labour and Employment Muhammad Dingyadi emphasized that the petroleum sector is vital to Nigeria’s economy and warned that a shutdown would have serious consequences. He has intervened by calling for a meeting between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery on Monday to resolve the issues.
Last week, NUPENG directed its members to down tools, accusing Dangote Refinery of planning to “enslave” Nigerian workers. Despite the government’s appeal, the union has insisted on proceeding with the strike. However, NUPENG National President Williams Akporeha confirmed that a meeting with the federal government and Dangote Refinery is scheduled for Monday at 3 p.m.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) had issued a “red alert” in solidarity with the oil workers, but Dingyadi urged the NLC to withdraw the alert. The minister’s intervention aims to prevent a nationwide strike and find a swift resolution to the dispute.
Separately, the group Rights for Human Dignity and Justice (RHDAJ) accused NUPENG leaders of plotting to burn imported compressed natural gas trucks belonging to Dangote Refinery. Akporeha dismissed the claim as false propaganda allegedly sponsored by the refinery.
The dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery has significant implications for the Nigerian economy, and the upcoming Monday meeting is expected to address the core issues and determine the next steps, with the outcome crucial to averting a potentially damaging strike.
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