The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers, NUPENG, has provided an update on the meeting between the Federal Government, Dangote Refinery, and other stakeholders to resolve the ongoing strike. According to NUPENG’s national president, Williams Akporeha, the meeting ended in a deadlock after Dangote Group’s representative, Sayyu Dantata, walked out.

Akporeha, in an interview with Arise Television, explained that NUPENG is seeking to ensure that Dangote Group adheres to labor regulations and allows its Compressed Natural Gas trucks to join a recognized union. The union claims that Dangote’s refusal to do so is an attempt to enslave workers. Akporeha emphasized that while NUPENG wants Dangote to succeed, the company must operate within the bounds of labor laws.

The strike, which began on Monday, has already caused disruptions in the oil sector, with transportation fares increasing in Warri due to fuel scarcity. Dangote Group, however, has downplayed the impact of the strike, stating that it will not lead to fuel shortages. The company’s spokesman, Anthony Chijiena, released a statement to this effect on Tuesday.

Other prominent unions in the oil sector have threatened to join NUPENG in the strike, which could exacerbate the situation. NUPENG has stated that it is open to dialogue but will continue the strike until its demands are met. The Federal Government’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, had convened the meeting to resolve the dispute, but the deadlock has raised concerns about the potential consequences of the strike.

The strike is a result of NUPENG’s directive to its members to down tools in protest against Dangote’s anti-labor practices. The union’s actions are aimed at protecting the rights of workers and ensuring that companies operate within the framework of labor laws. As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen how the strike will affect the oil sector and the broader economy.