The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery have reached a breakthrough agreement, suspending a nationwide strike that threatened to disrupt fuel supply across Nigeria.
After intense negotiations and intervention from government officials, the two parties agreed to allow workers at the refinery and petrochemical operations to join NUPENG.
A memorandum of understanding (MoU) is being drafted to formalize the agreement, with a two-week implementation timeline.
The strike, initiated by NUPENG over alleged anti-union practices by the Dangote Group, had caused panic and shutdowns at fuel depots nationwide.
NUPENG President Williams Akporeha described the action as a stand against “anti-worker and anti-union practices” and an attempt by the Dangote Group to “enslave” workers. With the agreement, NUPENG has instructed its members to return to work immediately, averting a potential major economic crisis.
The development marks a significant victory for labor rights and collective bargaining in Nigeria’s industrial sector.
