Efforts by the federal government to end the nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) collapsed on Monday night, after peace talks with the management of Dangote Refinery ended in a stalemate.
The talks, brokered by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Maigari Dingyadi, failed after both parties could not agree on the unionisation of refinery workers. While Dangote’s team agreed to allow some categories of staff to join unions, NUPENG insisted all workers must have that right.
Following the deadlock, NUPENG vowed to continue its indefinite strike, which has already led to fuel scarcity in some states. Several unions including the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Natural Oil & Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO), and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have announced solidarity actions, worsening the shutdown of downstream facilities.
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) also declared support for the strike, accusing Dangote Group of anti-labour practices and attempts to monopolise the sector. TUC warned that the refinery’s alleged harassment of workers and refusal to allow unionisation would not be tolerated.
Already, filling stations in Delta and Sokoto states have shut down, triggering transport disruptions and price hikes. Unions have warned that any station operating during the strike in Delta will be fined ₦1 million.
Despite the setback, Minister Dingyadi expressed optimism that negotiations could resume today, urging all parties to maintain peace while dialogue continues.
