FG, NUPENG Meet to Avert Nationwide Petroleum Strike

The Federal Government is in talks with the leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to avert a nationwide strike that could disrupt the country’s fragile economy.

The meeting, initially scheduled for 10:00 a.m., started late at around 5:30 p.m. due to delays in the arrival of NUPENG officials. It is taking place at the Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity, where both parties are negotiating measures to prevent industrial action.

NUPENG has accused Dangote and associates of engaging in “crude and dangerous anti-union practices, a monopolistic agenda, and indecent industrial relations strategies.” The union further alleged that the refinery offers some of the lowest wages in the sector and bars drivers of imported CNG trucks from joining industry unions.

The union said such recruitment policies contravene Section 40 of the Constitution, the Labour Act, and International Labour Organization conventions on freedom of association.

Efforts to resolve the dispute are ongoing, with both sides seeking a compromise to avoid economic disruptions.