NUPENG Suspends Strike As Dangote Agrees To Unionisation
The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike after reaching a landmark agreement with the management of Dangote Refinery, paving the way for workers of the multibillion-dollar facility to unionise.
The breakthrough followed a high-level meeting convened in Abuja with representatives of the Federal Government, organised labour and the Dangote Group in attendance.
The engagement, which stretched for hours, culminated in the signing of a Memorandum of Understanding that addressed the union’s grievances.
According to the MoU, the process of unionising staff of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals is to commence immediately and run between September 9 and September 22, 2025.
The document further stipulates that the company shall not create or support any rival union and must guarantee that no employee will suffer victimisation for participating in trade union activities.
NUPENG, which had accused the refinery of anti-union practices, described the agreement as a “milestone for workers’ rights in Nigeria.” Its leadership maintained that the union would remain vigilant to ensure that the pact was fully implemented and that refinery employees enjoyed the protections promised.
The suspension of the strike came as a relief to Nigerians, with petroleum distribution across the country having been under threat of disruption. Many had warned that a prolonged shutdown could have paralysed fuel supply chains and worsened economic pressures already being felt by households and businesses.
In its reaction, the Federal Government lauded both sides for embracing compromise, stressing that the resolution had averted what could have been a major blow to the nation’s economy.
Officials disclosed that all parties to the MoU are expected to provide the Minister of Labour with compliance updates within two weeks.
The Dangote Group did not issue an immediate public statement on the development, but officials close to the discussions confirmed that the company pledged to respect the terms of the agreement.
Sodiq Lawal is a passionate and dedicated journalist with a knack for uncovering captivating stories in the bustling metropolis of Osun State and Nigeria at large. He has a versatile reporting style, covering a wide range of topics, from politics , campus, and social issues to arts and culture, seeking impact in all facets of the society.
