By Anifowoshe Oladipupo
A reconciliation meeting convened by the Federal Ministry of Labour to avert a looming nationwide fuel strike collapsed on Monday, September 8, 2025, after representatives of the Dangote Group staged a walkout.
The marathon seven-hour session was meant to resolve tensions over alleged anti-union practices at the Dangote Petroleum Refinery but ended without agreement.
The National Union of Petroleum and Gas Workers (NUPENG), had on Friday, September 5, declared plans to commence strike action following the refinery’s decision to import 4,000 Compressed Natural Gas (CNG), trucks.
The union accuses the company of sidelining existing drivers and compelling new recruits to sign undertakings not to join any labour union—an action it described as “blatant union-busting.”
“We are left with no option but to do the needful. The action continues,” said Benson Upah, spokesperson of the Nigeria Labour Congress, in solidarity with NUPENG.
The crisis deepened when Dangote officials reportedly walked out during the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding, a move that further hardened labour’s stance.
With no resolution in sight, Nigerians are bracing for severe disruptions in fuel supply should the strike proceed.
