The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has warned that it may resume its suspended strike, accusing Dangote Refinery’s management of breaching the agreement reached between the two parties. The union says the refinery reneged on its promise to recognize workers’ right to unionize—a key component of the memorandum signed on 8 September 2025. Under that agreement, management had pledged to allow employees to unionize, with the process to be completed within two weeks. NUPENG alleges that the refinery has failed to honor this commitment, prompting the union to place its members on “red alert” for a possible strike resumption.
The dispute began when NUPENG accused Dangote Refinery of hiring new drivers on the condition that they would not join the union. The refinery’s management denied the allegation, calling it “cheap blackmail.” The strike, which was suspended on Tuesday, raised concerns about potential fuel shortages and broader disruptions to the oil sector.
The agreement between NUPENG and Dangote Refinery was facilitated by the Department of State Services (DSS) and attended by Finance Minister Wale Edun, as well as representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC). The Memorandum of Understanding (MOU) stipulated that unionization would begin immediately and be completed within two weeks, and that the employer would not establish any other union.
NUPENG has called on the federal government to intervene, urging authorities not to allow the refinery’s management to use security agents to intimidate workers or undermine their rights. The union also appealed to the Nigeria Labour Congress, the Trade Union Congress, and other civil‑society organizations for support.
The development has significant implications for the oil sector, given Dangote Refinery’s market dominance. Opened last year with a capacity of 650,000 barrels per day, the refinery has lowered petrol prices and disrupted entrenched players, but it has also raised concerns about monopoly power and the impact on smaller operators. As the situation unfolds, it remains uncertain whether NUPENG and Dangote Refinery can reach a resolution that satisfies both parties. The union’s threat to resume strike action has heightened worries about further disruptions, and federal intervention may be needed to prevent an escalation of the dispute.
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