The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has called off its nationwide strike after Dangote Refinery agreed to recognise the rights of its employees to unionise. The truce, reached late Tuesday night, followed days of nationwide disruption and fears of a looming energy crisis.
How the Dispute Began
The strike, which began on Monday, was triggered by Dangote Group’s refusal to allow refinery and transport workers to join NUPENG. According to Premium Times, tanker drivers and depot staff aligned with the union downed tools, a move that immediately disrupted fuel supply across Lagos, Port Harcourt, Warri, and Delta State. Long queues had begun forming at petrol stations in major cities as Nigerians braced for scarcity.
Failed Talks and Government Intervention
Initial attempts at negotiation ended in chaos. Premium Times reported that representatives of Dangote Refinery walked out of two earlier meetings with the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, creating further tension.
It was only after the intervention of the Department of State Services (DSS), acting on the directive of President Bola Tinubu, that both parties returned to the table. Channels Television confirmed that Finance Minister Wale Edun and Labour Minister Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi were present during the decisive meeting in Abuja, where an agreement was finally brokered.
Terms of the MoU
According to Channels Television and Daily Trust, the signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) set out clear resolutions:
- Dangote Refinery must allow employees to unionise freely without interference.
- The unionisation process is to commence immediately and be concluded within two weeks.
- Dangote Group will not sponsor or establish any rival or alternative union.
- No employee will face victimisation for participating in the strike or supporting unionisation.
- Both parties must report back to the Minister of Labour one week after the completion of the unionisation process.
Union Celebrates “Historic Win”
In its coverage, Daily Trust quoted NUPENG President, Comrade Williams Akporeha, declaring the resolution a landmark victory: “Victory is ours finally. We have won. We are calling off the strike and work resumes immediately.”
PM News highlighted the relief across key depots, noting that operations in major fuel supply hubs had been paralyzed for 48 hours. With the strike suspended, petrol distribution is expected to normalise in the coming days.
Dangote’s Concession
Although the Dangote Group has not released an extensive statement, Channels Television reported that its representatives pledged to respect the MoU. A company source was quoted as saying: “We have agreed to respect the wishes of our employees and allow unionisation without interference. Our priority remains the smooth operation of the refinery and meeting national energy needs.”
Broader Implications
Labour analysts told Premium Times that the resolution may set a precedent for other large corporations in Nigeria, especially in sectors where union rights have been contested. It also strengthens the hand of organised labour ahead of future negotiations in the oil and gas industry.
The government, on its part, is being credited with averting a major national crisis. A senior official who spoke to Daily Trust noted: “This outcome underscores the importance of dialogue. Industrial harmony is vital for economic stability, and we are glad both parties chose compromise over confrontation.”
A Turning Point in Labour Relations
The suspension of the strike brings relief to millions of Nigerians who had braced for prolonged scarcity. More importantly, it marks a turning point in the relationship between Dangote Refinery—Africa’s largest single-train refinery—and Nigeria’s oil workers.
As Silvercloud Media has gathered from multiple reports, both NUPENG and Dangote Refinery are scheduled to provide updates to the Minister of Labour after the unionisation exercise concludes on September 22, 2025. The outcome will be closely watched, as it may redefine labour relations in one of Nigeria’s most strategic industries.
For now, Nigerians can exhale as the fuel pumps begin to flow again. But the echoes of this labour standoff will likely resonate for years in the country’s corporate and industrial landscape.
