• Suspension of Industrial Action Sustained
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Thursday held another round of talks with representatives of Dangote Refinery, in a meeting convened by the Department of State Services (DSS), to address lingering disputes over unionisation and labour rights.
The meeting, which also had in attendance Finance Minister Wale Edun and representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), focused on streamlining the agreement reached during earlier discussions. Sources confirmed that both sides agreed to maintain the suspension of industrial action while a two-week window was created to work through unresolved issues.
The crisis began after NUPENG accused Dangote of resisting unionisation among its tanker drivers, prompting the union to embark on strike. Although a truce was reached on September 9, NUPENG later alleged that the company violated the pact by replacing its stickers with those of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA)—a body the union claims was created by the refinery’s management to undermine its authority.
NUPENG President Prince Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale accused the refinery of trying to “crush” the union, citing a history of violent attacks against its officials and restrictions on union activities across Dangote Group’s businesses.
The union further warned Nigerians not to be misled by what it described as the company’s “free fuel delivery offer,” which it alleged was a ploy to dominate the transport sector by sidelining independent tanker drivers.
Dangote Petroleum Refinery, however, denied the allegations, insisting it does not restrict workers’ rights to association. It described the dispute as an internal matter with NUPENG’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch, dismissing claims of union suppression, monopolistic practices, or plans to hike fuel prices.
The company maintained that its recruitment processes are transparent, voluntary, and compliant with Nigerian labour laws as well as International Labour Organisation (ILO) standards.
Thursday’s meeting, according to sources, reaffirmed the resolutions of the September 9 truce, with parties agreeing to continue dialogue under DSS mediation while ensuring uninterrupted fuel supply nationwide.