FG Steps In as NUPENG, Dangote Clash Threatens Nationwide Strike

The Federal Government has waded into the brewing industrial dispute between the Dangote Group and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), following the union’s declaration of an indefinite nationwide strike beginning today.

Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, summoned both parties to an emergency conciliation meeting on Monday in Abuja to avert disruption in the oil sector.

NUPENG, backed by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), accused the Dangote Group of “crude and dangerous anti-union practices, monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.” It alleged that Dangote Refinery offers some of the lowest wages in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector and recently barred drivers from joining unions, describing the policy as a violation of Section 40 of the Constitution, the Labour Act, and ILO conventions.

“This marks a dangerous road to fascism in industrial relations, where workers are treated as slaves without voice or dignity,” the union said.

In its mobilisation notice, NLC President Joe Ajaero warned:
“An attack on one union is an attack on all. If we allow Dangote to succeed in this agenda, no worker in Nigeria will be safe. We must be ready to fight.”

NUPENG also disowned the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA), describing it as a “management-inspired association” allegedly set up to weaken petroleum tanker drivers.

Despite the minister’s invitation, NUPENG leaders insisted the strike would go ahead until their demands were addressed. Fuel stations across the country braced for shortages, with economists warning of inflationary shocks if the deadlock persists.

Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, threw his weight behind the union, arguing that Dangote’s policy violates Nigerian laws and international conventions.
“The Dangote Group must be reminded that Nigerian workers fought and won the right to unionise even under colonial rule,” Falana said.

Meanwhile, the Edo State chapter of the NLC announced full support for the strike, urging residents to stock up on fuel ahead of the shutdown.

The outcome of today’s conciliation meeting will determine whether the strike continues or is suspended.