Union Dispute: Dangote Refinery, NUPENG Talks Stall Despite FG Intervention as Fuel Loading Remains Grounded
Abuja, Nigeria – September 8, 2025
Tense negotiations between the management of Dangote Petroleum Refinery and the leadership of the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) dragged late into Monday night, as both parties failed to reach an immediate resolution over a dispute threatening fuel distribution nationwide.
The high-stakes meeting, convened at the Conference Room of the Federal Ministry of Labour, Employment and Productivity in Abuja, was aimed at reconciling the refinery’s management with union leaders following the paralysis of fuel loading activities across petroleum depots nationwide earlier in the day.
The disruption stemmed from allegations by NUPENG that Dangote Petroleum Refinery had banned union activities among its workforce, a move the union described as anti-labour and in violation of workers’ rights.
Despite the Federal Government’s mediation efforts, the closed-door talks — which began Monday afternoon and extended late into the night — ended without the anticipated signing of a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) that was expected to bring a swift end to the industrial action.
In attendance at the marathon meeting were top officials of NUPENG, representatives of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), as well as the Executive Director, Distribution Systems, Storage and Retailing Infrastructure of the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), Ogbugo Ukoha.
Also present were key stakeholders from Dangote Group, MRS Petroleum, and senior officials from the Federal Ministry of Labour.
A senior official who spoke on condition of anonymity told our correspondent that while “progress was made,” major disagreements persisted around union representation within the refinery and the terms of engagement with contract staff.
“We’re making headway but not enough to sign any document tonight. The workers are firm on their demands and so is the refinery’s management,” the source said.
Monday’s fuel loading halt sparked concerns over potential supply disruptions across major cities, especially in Lagos, Abuja, and Port Harcourt, where petroleum product shortages are already being reported.
The Ministry of Labour has yet to release an official statement as of press time, but further meetings are expected to continue this week as the government scrambles to prevent a full-blown energy crisis.
Background
NUPENG had earlier issued a 72-hour ultimatum demanding an end to alleged anti-labour practices by Dangote Refinery, including union suppression and poor welfare conditions for contract workers. The union also threatened wider industrial action if their grievances were not addressed.
This developing story underscores growing tensions between labour unions and private sector giants, even as the Federal Government faces mounting pressure to stabilize the energy sector and protect workers’ rights.
More updates to follow.
