By Atoyebi Nike
The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has resolved to press on with its nationwide strike after reconciliation talks with the Dangote refinery ended without agreement.
The conciliation meeting, convened on Monday by Labour Minister Muhammad Dingyadi, collapsed after both parties clashed over whether tanker drivers at the refinery should belong to recognised oil and gas unions. NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, said the refinery’s representative, Sayyu Dantata, walked out of the session, insisting on a parallel association for its drivers.
Akporeha, speaking on Arise News, accused the refinery of trying to weaken existing unions, describing the move as illegal. He maintained that only NUPENG and allied bodies like PENGASSAN are legally recognised in the sector.
Despite acknowledging dialogue remains possible, he insisted that the strike—which began Monday—will not be suspended. “No employer has the right to enslave workers. Everyone wants Dangote to succeed, but he must play by the rules,” he said.
The industrial action has already disrupted operations, with filling stations closed in parts of the country and refineries in Port Harcourt and Delta State shut down. Tanker drivers at depots in Lagos and Warri also parked their trucks in compliance with union orders.
Fears are mounting that the strike could trigger a major fuel crisis if it persists.
