By Olokuta Rofiat
The National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), on Monday reaffirmed its resolve to embark on a nationwide strike, despite a high-level intervention meeting convened by the Federal Government with the Dangote Group in Abuja today.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, is leading the government’s mediation efforts.
The outcome of the conciliation meeting is expected to determine whether the industrial action will go ahead.
At the core of the standoff are recruitment policies at the Dangote Refinery, which NUPENG alleges bar tanker drivers and other employees from unionising.
The union described the practice as “modern-day slavery” and a violation of constitutional and international labour rights.
NUPENG leaders accused the Dangote Group of engaging in anti-union activities, warning that unless their grievances are addressed, the union will shut down fuel distribution nationwide.
As the Abuja talks continue, stakeholders are watching closely. A breakdown in negotiations could unleash a crippling fuel scarcity and compound economic pressures across the country.
