The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Group face federal intervention today. Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammadu Dingyadi, summoned both parties to an emergency meeting to avert a nationwide strike.
A ministry letter, signed by Falonipe Amo on September 6, invited the groups to a 3 pm conciliation meeting. The move followed NUPENG’s directive for an indefinite strike beginning September 8.
NUPENG accused Dangote of anti-union practices, poor wages, and coercing new drivers to join the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) instead of the union. The union said this action violates the Nigerian Constitution, Labour Act, and ILO conventions.
NUPENG rejected DTCDA as a “management-inspired fraud” and alleged that Dangote created it to weaken union power. It also claimed Dangote Refinery pays the lowest wages in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector while mistreating workers.
“This marks a dangerous road to fascism in industrial relations,” NUPENG warned. “Workers cannot be treated as slaves without dignity.”
The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) backed the strike. President Joe Ajaero instructed all affiliates and state councils to prepare for solidarity action. “An attack on one union is an attack on all,” Ajaero said. “If Dangote succeeds, no worker in Nigeria will be safe.”
Human rights lawyer, Femi Falana (SAN), also supported the strike. He argued that Dangote’s policies breach workers’ constitutional rights and international labour treaties ratified by Nigeria. He urged the government to stop Dangote’s monopolistic practices immediately.
Economists warn that the strike could trigger fuel shortages, rising black-market prices, and disruptions in transport, power, and manufacturing. These effects could worsen inflation and hardship nationwide.
NUPENG agreed to attend today’s meeting but insists the strike will continue until it resolves all grievances. “Our unity remains unshaken,” the union declared.
