ABUJA — Nigeria may experience fuel scarcity from today as the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) threatened to embark on a strike over what it described as anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery.
The dispute stems from Dangote Refinery’s plan to deploy 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG)-powered trucks for direct fuel distribution, a move NUPENG says would bypass existing tanker drivers, threaten thousands of jobs, and violate workers’ rights to unionize.
In a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union accused Dangote of barring new drivers from joining trade unions. “This is a direct violation of Nigeria’s constitution and international labour conventions,” the statement read.
NUPENG also accused Dangote of attempting to “monopolise distribution, crush competition, enslave the sector, and raise prices,” despite having enjoyed workers’ support during the refinery’s construction phase.
NLC, PETROAN Back NUPENG
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN) have thrown their weight behind NUPENG, urging President Bola Tinubu to intervene.
NLC President Joe Ajaero warned that Nigerian workers “are not slaves and cannot be serially abused without consequences.” He called on Tinubu to prevail on Dangote Group leaders to respect labour rights and fair competition.
“If Dangote continues on this reckless anti-union path, we will move beyond words to action,” the NLC warned.
FG Steps In
Meanwhile, the Federal Government on Sunday appealed to NUPENG to suspend its strike plan. The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, confirmed that a conciliation meeting with all parties has been scheduled for Monday, September 8.
“I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow (today),” Dingyadi said in a statement. He also urged the NLC to withdraw the “red alert” it issued to affiliates for a possible nationwide strike.
The minister assured that the government is committed to resolving the matter amicably to prevent disruption in the petroleum sector, which is critical to the economy..
Strike on Hold — For Now
Although NUPENG had earlier declared its readiness to shut down operations, sources within the union said the industrial action has been temporarily suspended in respect for government intervention.
“The outcome of the meeting would determine whether or not the strike goes ahead. For now, the strike is on hold with the hope that positive developments will emerge,” one source said.
As Nigerians brace for possible disruptions, all eyes are on today’s talks to avert a nationwide fuel crisis.
