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 aimed at resolving the ongoing strike. According to NUPENG’s national president, Williams Akporeha, the talks ended in a deadlock after Dangote Group’s representative, Sayyu Dantata, walked out. In an interview with Arise Television, Akporeha explained that NUPENG is seeking to ensure that Dangote Group complies with 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 and stresses that, while it wants Dangote to succeed, the company must operate within the bounds of labor law.
The strike, which began on Monday, has already disrupted the oil sector, causing transportation fares to rise in Warri due to fuel scarcity. Dangote Group, however, has downplayed the impact, stating that the strike will not lead to fuel shortages. The company’s spokesman, Anthony Chijiena, issued a statement to that 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 said it remains open to dialogue but will continue the strike until its demands are met. The Federal Government’s Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, convened the meeting to resolve the dispute, but the deadlock has raised concerns about the potential consequences of the strike.
The strike stems from NUPENG’s directive to its members to down tools in protest against what it describes as Dangote’s anti‑labor practices. The union’s actions aim to protect workers’ rights and ensure 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.
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