The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike following a breakthrough agreement with the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals on the contentious issue of workers’ unionisation.
The industrial action, which lasted two days, had led to the closure of several fuel stations across the country, sparking fears of prolonged fuel scarcity. The union had accused the Dangote Group of denying employees their constitutional right to join recognised labour unions.
A conciliation meeting convened in Abuja on Tuesday by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, brought both parties to the table. After lengthy deliberations, they signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) aimed at resolving the dispute.
According to the MoU, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals formally agreed to allow willing employees to unionise, in line with provisions of Nigeria’s labour laws. The process, it stated, would begin immediately and be concluded between September 9 and September 22, 2025.
The agreement also provided assurances that no employee would face victimisation as a result of the strike or their decision to join a union. Furthermore, the company pledged not to establish or sponsor any alternative unions.
