By Peter Omopo
Abuja, September 9, 2025 — The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has declared that its nationwide strike will continue following the breakdown of conciliation talks with the Dangote refinery.
The peace meeting, convened on Monday by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, ended in deadlock after both parties clashed over the unionisation of tanker drivers at the refinery.
NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, speaking on Arise News Television on Tuesday, accused Dangote management of rejecting recognised oil and gas unions while allegedly attempting to create an alternative drivers’ association. He added that the refinery’s representative, Sayyu Dantata, walked out of the meeting in protest.
“The strike is still on. We started yesterday, and as it is, we are still open to dialogue. But Nigerians must understand that what we are dealing with is a dictator investor. No employer has the right to enslave workers,” Akporeha said.
He maintained that only recognised unions such as NUPENG and PENGASSAN have legal standing in the sector, warning that attempts to sideline them would not be tolerated.
While stressing that industrial action was a legitimate tool, Akporeha dismissed claims that the union was trying to sabotage the refinery.
“Everybody wants Dangote to succeed, including NUPENG. But he must play by the rules. Nigeria cannot afford investors who act like slave drivers,” he said.
Growing Impact on Fuel Supply
The strike, which began Monday, has already disrupted operations nationwide. Petroleum tanker drivers have halted fuel loading in compliance with the directive, despite federal government appeals to suspend the action.
Reports indicate that filling stations in several states were shut, while depots in Lagos and Warri, Delta State, witnessed drivers parking their trucks in protest. Enforcement teams from NUPENG monitored compliance at the facilities.
The strike also forced the shutdown of the Aradel refinery in Obele, Port Harcourt, and the Kwale Hydrocarbon plant in Delta State.
Industry observers warn that the country could face a severe fuel shortage if the dispute persists beyond a day.
Background to the Crisis
NUPENG had last week threatened to stop lifting fuel over allegations that the Dangote refinery planned to bar drivers recruited for its 4,000 trucks from joining the union. Despite last-minute intervention efforts by the federal government, the union insisted the strike would proceed.
On Sunday, Akporeha confirmed that government officials had reached out in an attempt to avert the action but said members had already resolved to enforce the work stoppage.
The standoff, analysts say, may test the government’s ability to balance investor interests with labour rights in Nigeria’s strategic oil and gas sector.
