FG Intervenes in Dangote–NUPENG Dispute to Prevent Nationwide Strike
The Federal Government has stepped in to prevent a looming nationwide strike by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), which has accused the Dangote Group of engaging in anti-union practices and unfair labor policies.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, has summoned both the Dangote management and NUPENG leadership to an emergency conciliation meeting today. The move comes after NUPENG announced plans to commence an indefinite strike, a decision already backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).
NUPENG, in a statement, accused the Dangote Refinery of operating with “crude anti-union practices, a monopolistic agenda, and indecent labor policies.” The union alleged that the refinery offers some of the lowest wages in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector while subjecting workers to conditions that fall below acceptable standards.
One of the major grievances highlighted by NUPENG is the refinery’s recent policy prohibiting drivers from joining any oil and gas union. The union insists this violates Section 40 of the Nigerian Constitution, the Labour Act, and International Labour Organization (ILO) Conventions 87 and 98.
A letter from the Ministry of Labour, signed by the Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, Falonipe Amo, confirmed the emergency meeting scheduled for 3 p.m. today at the minister’s conference room. Despite the invitation, NUPENG has directed its members nationwide to proceed with the strike until all issues are fully addressed.
Meanwhile, the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) urged Nigerians to disregard NUPENG’s strike call. However, NUPENG rejected the group, describing it as a “management-sponsored association” set up to undermine workers’ unity. The union revealed that the DTCDA was created by allies of Aliko Dangote and Sayyu Aliu Dantata, owners of MRS Energy, as a tool to weaken NUPENG’s influence.
NUPENG leaders, Prince Williams Akporeha (President) and Olawale Afolabi (General Secretary), assured members that the union remains united despite attempts by “union busters” to sow discord. They reaffirmed their commitment to protecting workers’ rights and maintaining solidarity.
