Nigeria’s petroleum sector is facing a significant disruption as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has embarked on a nationwide strike. The union’s action, which commenced on Monday, September 8, is in response to a dispute with Dangote Refinery over alleged anti-labour practices. According to NUPENG’s National President, Williams Akporeha, the refinery plans to terminate the employment of 250,000 drivers due to their affiliation with the union.
The strike has the potential to severely impact the country’s petrol distribution, with NUPENG members playing a crucial role in the sector. The union’s decision to take industrial action was made after Dangote Refinery allegedly attempted to force its employees to abandon their union membership. NUPENG has described this move as a slavery mentality, which undermines the country’s labour laws.
Akporeha emphasized that the strike is in the best interest of Nigeria, as it aims to protect the rights of workers and prevent exploitation by employers. He also dismissed claims that NUPENG members plan to vandalize Dangote Refinery’s properties, describing such allegations as propaganda orchestrated by the refinery.
In an effort to resolve the dispute, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, has scheduled a meeting between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery for Monday, September 8. Akporeha expressed optimism that the meeting would lead to a resolution, stating that NUPENG’s goal is not to cripple the economy but to protect the rights of its members.
The Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) has appealed to both parties to reconcile their differences, warning marketers against hiking fuel prices during the crisis. IPMAN’s National President, Abubakar Maigandi, urged both sides to negotiate and find a mutually beneficial solution.
As the strike continues, fuel prices remain a concern. While most filling stations in Abuja have maintained their prices between N885 and N910 per litre, some have increased their prices. Empire filling stations, for example, have raised their pump price to N950 per litre. NUPENG and IPMAN have warned against fuel price hikes, emphasizing that such actions would exacerbate the situation.
The Nigerian government has urged NUPENG and the Nigerian Labour Congress to shelve the planned strike, citing concerns over the potential impact on the economy. However, with the strike already underway, the focus has shifted to finding a resolution through dialogue and negotiation. The outcome of the meeting between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery will be crucial in determining the next steps and mitigating the effects of the strike on the country’s petroleum sector.