NUPENG Vows to Continue Strike Amid Dangote Refinery Dispute

 

 

NUPENG Vows to Continue Strike Amid Dangote Refinery Dispute

 

 

The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) on Tuesday confirmed that its nationwide strike would continue following the collapse of a conciliation meeting organised by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, to resolve a dispute with the Dangote refinery.

 

The meeting ended in a stalemate over the unionisation of tanker drivers at the refinery. NUPENG President, Williams Akporeha, told Arise News Television that the union had no choice but to press on with industrial action after Dangote’s management rejected recognised oil and gas unions and reportedly claimed to have a separate association for its workers. The refinery’s representative, Sayyu Dantata, walked out of the meeting.

 

“The strike is still on. We started yesterday. Discussions are ongoing, but the strike continues. What we saw at the meeting indicates that we are dealing with a dictatorial investor, and we must stand firm,” Akporeha said.

 

He alleged that the Dangote refinery created an alternative drivers’ association to undermine NUPENG, describing the move as illegal. “The law only recognises existing unions such as NUPENG, PENGASSAN, and others in the oil and gas sector,” he added.

 

Akporeha emphasised that while strikes are a legitimate tool in industrial relations, dialogue remains open. “Under my leadership, striking has never been the first option. But no employer has the right to enslave workers,” he said.

 

The union leader dismissed claims that NUPENG was attempting to sabotage the refinery or disrupt local production. “Everybody wants Dangote to succeed, but the rules must be followed. Investors cannot act like dictators or slave drivers,” he said.

 

NUPENG urged Nigerians to support the union’s stance, framing the strike as a fight to protect workers’ dignity and secure democratic workplaces.

 

Tanker drivers began boycotting fuel loading on Monday, shutting depots and some filling stations. Facilities such as the Aradel refinery in Port Harcourt and the Kwale Hydrocarbon facility in Delta State were closed. Drivers parked their trucks at depots across the country, awaiting further instructions.

 

Concerns are growing that a prolonged strike could trigger a severe fuel shortage nationwide.