NUPENG Accuses Dangote Refinery of Violating Strike Agreement, Threatens Fresh Action
Less than 48 hours after suspending its nationwide strike, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the management of Dangote Refinery of breaching the terms of a recently signed agreement.
In a joint statement issued by its President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, the union warned that it may resume the suspended industrial action. The alleged breach relates to a resolution reached between the refinery, the Federal Government, and members of NUPENG’s Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) branch.
“We are placing all our members on red alert for a possible resumption of the nationwide strike,” the union stated, calling for support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil society groups, and the global labour movement. “This is a clear threat from the capitalist elite that must be resisted.”
NUPENG claimed that during a meeting convened by the Department of State Services (DSS)—attended by the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun, and representatives of the NLC—the Dangote Refinery agreed to allow unionisation of its workers.
Despite this agreement, which was documented and signed at the DSS office, NUPENG alleged that truck drivers—some of whom had been members of the union for years—were instructed to remove union stickers from their vehicles just a day after the resolution.
The statement continued: “We call on the Federal Government to ensure that state security agencies, funded by public resources, are not misused to suppress lawful union activities. Security agents should not be complicit in undermining agreements they helped facilitate.”
NUPENG had suspended its strike on Tuesday following a closed-door meeting brokered by the DSS. The meeting led to a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) recognising the right of workers at Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals to unionise.
The MoU, signed by representatives from all parties—including the Dangote Group, labour unions, and government agencies—affirmed that the unionisation process would begin immediately and conclude within two weeks (from September 9 to 22, 2025). It also stipulated that no employee would face retaliation for participating in union activities and that the employer would not create a parallel union.
The resolution stemmed from a conciliation meeting held by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment on September 8, after NUPENG issued a strike notice over Dangote Refinery’s initial refusal to recognise workers’ union rights.
The MoU was signed by Sayyu Dantata (Managing Director, Dangote Group), O.K. Ukoha (Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority), and Ojimba Jibrin (Dangote Group), along with Benson Upah (NLC), N.A. Toro (TUC), and NUPENG leaders Akporeha Williams and Afolabi Olawale. Amos Falonipe, Director of Trade Union Services & Industrial Relations, signed on behalf of the Minister of Labour.
NUPENG’s strike had initially commenced on Monday, with allegations that Dangote Refinery was employing new drivers under the condition they avoid union membership—a claim the company strongly denied, labeling it “cheap blackmail.”
Opened in 2024, the $19 billion Dangote Refinery—Africa’s largest, with a 650,000 barrels-per-day capacity—aims to reduce Nigeria’s dependency on imported petroleum products. While the refinery has contributed to lower petrol prices and disrupted traditional fuel markets, concerns have emerged over its monopolistic power.
The refinery has plans to deploy a nationwide fleet of compressed natural gas (CNG)-powered trucks, replacing over 20,000 existing diesel-powered tanker trucks. However, delays in the rollout have led to tension with current operators.
During the strike, Dangote Group spokesperson Anthony Chiejina downplayed concerns, insisting there was no fuel shortage and that discussions were ongoing.
