The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has threatened to resume its suspended strike action, accusing the management of Dangote Refinery of breaching the agreement reached between the two parties. The union claims that the refinery’s management has reneged on its promise to recognize workers’ rights to unionize, a key component of the agreement signed on September 8, 2025.
According to NUPENG, the management of Dangote Refinery had agreed to allow its employees to unionize, with the process to be completed within two weeks. However, the union alleges that the refinery’s management has failed to honor this commitment, prompting it to place its members on “red alert” for a potential resumption of the strike.
The dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery began when the union accused the refinery of hiring new drivers on the condition that they would not join the union. The refinery’s management denied this allegation, describing it as “cheap blackmail.” The strike, which was suspended on Tuesday, had raised concerns about potential fuel shortages and disruptions to the oil sector.
The agreement signed between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery was facilitated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stated that the process of unionization would begin immediately and be completed within two weeks, with the employer agreeing not to set up any other union.
NUPENG has called on the Federal Government to intervene in the matter, urging it not to allow the refinery’s management to use security agents to intimidate workers and undermine their rights. The union has also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, Trade Union Congress, and other civil society organizations to support its cause.
The development has significant implications for the oil sector, particularly given Dangote Refinery’s dominance in the market. The refinery, which was opened last year with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity, has driven down petrol prices and disrupted entrenched players in the sector. However, its operations have also raised concerns about monopoly and the potential impact on smaller operators.
As the situation unfolds, it remains to be seen whether NUPENG and Dangote Refinery can reach a resolution that satisfies both parties. The union’s threat to resume its strike action has raised concerns about potential disruptions to the oil sector, and the Federal Government may need to intervene to prevent a escalation of the dispute.