The fragile truce between the Nigerian Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery has collapsed. The fallout has triggered a fresh industrial crisis that now threatens nationwide fuel supply stability.
NUPENG said Dangote Group failed to honour the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) signed on September 9. The MoU allowed tanker drivers and refinery workers to unionise without restrictions. The union stressed that the violation marks a direct attack on workers’ rights.
National President of NUPENG, Williams Akporeha, alleged that Sayyu Aliu Dantata, a key operator in the refinery’s trucking arm, breached the agreement. He said Dantata ordered drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their vehicles. He also claimed Dantata forcefully entered the refinery in defiance of agreed union procedures.
Union Condemns “Impunity” and Warns Government
Akporeha accused Dantata of intimidation. According to him, Dantata flew over workers in a helicopter and then called in naval officers to harass union leaders. “Our members will resist attempts to silence them,” he warned.
The union condemned what it described as Dantata’s “impunity.” It urged the Federal Government not to allow security agencies to be used against workers. “His wealth cannot place him above the law,” Akporeha declared.
NUPENG placed members on “red alert” for a nationwide strike. The union had suspended industrial action earlier in the week after signing the MoU with Dangote Refinery. However, Akporeha warned that the strike may resume if the agreement continues to be ignored.
In addition, the union called on the NLC, TUC, civil society groups, and international labour allies to stand in solidarity.
NUPENG’s General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, alleged that Dangote management planned to tow away union vehicles blocking refinery gates. In response, the union reinforced its blockade to stop non-compliant trucks from entering the facility.
Observers fear that the NUPENG and Dangote Refinery dispute could disrupt petrol supply at a time when Nigerians already face high fuel costs. Analysts argue that resolving the Dangote Refinery strike threat is vital to restoring industrial peace and securing national energy stability.
