FG urges NUPENG to suspend strike, pledges intervention in dispute
The Nigerian government has requested that the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers postpone its planned nationwide strike set for Monday, promising to step in to address the union's conflict with the Dangote Refinery.In a statement co-signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Olawale Afolabi, NUPENG announced that its Petroleum Tanker Drivers branch would halt the transportation of petroleum products throughout the country.
The union's action stems from Dangote Refinery's refusal to permit drivers of its newly imported Compressed Natural Gas trucks to join any trade unions, as well as concerns over the potential job losses for its members due to the extensive importation of these trucks.
Nevertheless, NUPENG refuted claims made by Enoch Kanawa, President of the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association, who stated that the union did not have the authority to represent petroleum tanker drivers and urged the public to disregard the strike announcement.
In the meantime, NUPENG's leadership accused the Kanawa-led DTCDA of being a front for the Dangote Refinery, which has prevented its recruited drivers from joining the union.
It affirmed that NUPENG is the only officially recognized organization entitled to represent petroleum tanker drivers.
The union also proclaimed its commitment to resisting what it termed "enslaving conditions" that the refinery is imposing on the oil and gas sector.
“We ask our members, the public, and independent-minded segments of the media to dismiss the DTCDA and its statements… Slavery ended centuries ago, but some unscrupulous capitalists are trying to resurrect it.
“Any worker who is denied the right to associate is no better than a slave. Ordinary Nigerians should not support or promote oppressive working conditions,” NUPENG proclaimed.
Conversely, the federal government issued a statement on Sunday, through Patience Onuobia, Head of Information and Public Relations at the Ministry of Labour and Employment, urging the union to engage in dialogue to settle the conflict.
The statement indicated that Minister Muhammad Dingyadi had also requested the Nigeria Labour Congress to retract the red alert it had issued to its affiliated unions in preparation for a solidarity strike.
Dingyadi emphasized that, with the ministry's involvement, labor should halt plans to shut down the petroleum sector to maintain stability in the crucial oil and gas industry.
“I have convened a conciliation meeting with all parties for tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I urge NUPENG to reconsider their decision to halt operations in the petroleum sector starting tomorrow. I also request that the NLC retract the red alert it issued for its affiliate unions to stand ready for a nationwide strike in support of NUPENG.
“The petroleum sector plays a vital role in our nation. It is the backbone of the country’s economy. A strike in this sector, even for a single day, could have severe negative repercussions for the economy. This would not only result in substantial revenue losses for the country, amounting to billions of Naira, but it would also inflict considerable hardship on Nigerians.
“Therefore, I implore the unions to prioritize peace. I assure them that this issue will be resolved satisfactorily for all involved parties,” Dingyadi remarked.
The minister further reassured Nigerians that the dispute would be settled amicably to avoid any interruptions in the petroleum sector, which he identified as essential to the nation’s economy.
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