The Federal Government’s attempt to mediate the Dangote vs NUPENG dispute ended in deadlock, leaving the union’s planned strike unresolved. Labor Minister Mohammed Dingyadi and Minister of State Nkiruka Onyejeocha chaired the closed-door meeting in Abuja.
Present were NUPENG executives, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), representatives of the Dangote Group, MRS Petroleum, and officials of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA).
NUPENG has accused the Dangote Refinery of preventing compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining unions. The union announced it would begin industrial action on September 8, despite the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) and Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) distancing themselves from the strike.
The Federal Government urged the union to reconsider, warning of severe consequences for Nigeria’s fuel supply. Labor Minister Dingyadi appealed to NUPENG to suspend the strike and allow negotiations.
He also urged the NLC to withdraw its red alert that called on member unions to prepare for a solidarity strike against the Dangote Group’s alleged “anti-worker and anti-union practices.”
