- Parties agree no rivals for NUPENG, PENGASSAN in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector
BY SEGUN ADEBAYO – The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has suspended its nationwide strike following the Department of State Services (DSS)’s brokered peace between the Union and the management of Dangote Group over dispute bordering on unionisation in the oil company.
Reports indicated that the NUPENG leadership has already directed its members to suspend the industrial action arising from what multiple sources described as a fruitful closed-door meeting that took place at the Secret Police headquarters in Abuja, the nation’s capital.
Offering insights on the events leading to the truce, a competent insider hinted that the Director-General of the DSS, Oluwatosin Ajayi, got President Bola Tinubu’s marching order to liaise with the Chief conciliator, and Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi, and ensure NUPENG’s actions do not harm the economy nor cause untold hardship for Nigerians.
The source further said, “The President had to intervene in the matter directly by directing the DG DSS and the Minister of Finance to quench the looming industrial disharmony”, adding, “Their one-day action had already threatened petroleum supply and distribution across the country with fuel scarcity reported in some parts of the country”.
Specifically, it was gathered that both parties resolved to uphold existing labour laws, with emphasis that employees must not be compelled to join any union, and should retain the freedom to either affiliate with or decline membership of any labour body.
Amplifying the terms of agreement reached by both sides, one of Labour officials hinted thus, “After hours of deliberation, it was agreed among all the parties in involved that no employee of the company should be compelled to join any union or association.
“It was also highlighted that every employee has constitutional rights to associate with any labour union or body because Freedom of Association is guaranteed in the existing laws.”
Confirmed reports said those who attended the crucial meeting on the government side included the Minister of Finance, Wale Edun; Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Maigari Dingyadi; and Minister of State for Labour and Employment, Nkeiruka Onyejeocha.
Leading the management of Dangote Group to the meeting that flagged off at about 1:35pm and lasted till around 7:15pm on Tuesday, was the Company’s Managing Director, Alhaji Sayyu Dantata.
On the side of Labour were NUPENG President and General Secretary, Comrade Akporeha Williams and Comrade Olawale Afolabi; Benson Upah represented the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC); and Nuhu Toro was the face of Trade Union Congress (TUC).
This DSS’ brokered agreement came after an earlier peace meeting initiated on Monday by the Federal Government was deadlocked with both sides refusing to shift grounds several hours of negotiations notwithstanding.
Following the stalemate in discussions, the Minister of Labour and Employment, Dingyadi had explained that the meeting would reconvene to address specific areas of concerns by both parties.
Dangote, NUPENG, NLC Sign Pact
Rising from the reconvened meeting, the Dangote Group agreed to honour its workers’ right to unionise as demanded by NUPENG. However, the proviso is that workers should be forced to do so against their wishes.
A copy of a three-page Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) made available to the media indicated that the process of unionisation will be carried out by the NUPENG leadership within two weeks.
Endorsed by representatives from the NLC, TUC, Dangote Group, NUPENG, and the Nigerian Midstream and Downstream Petroleum Regulatory Authority (NMDPRA), the agreement stated that the process begins effective on Tuesday, September 9 (today) and will end on Monday, 22nd September 2025.
Additionally, it was agreed that Dangote Group would not set up any other union to rival NUPENG, PENGASSAN and other unions operating in the nation’s oil and gas sector.
According to the MoU, “After exhaustive deliberations, the following resolutions were reached by both parties:
“That since workers’ unionisation is a right in line with the provisions of the extant laws, the management of Dangote Refinery and Petrochemicals agreed to the unionisation of employees of Dangote Refinery and unionization of employees of Petrochemicals, who are willing to unionise.
“That the process of unionization shall commence immediately and be completed within two weeks (9th – 22nd September, 2025), and it was agreed that the employer not set up any other union.
“Arising from the strike notice, no worker or employee of Dangote refinery and Petrochemical will be victimized. Parties will revert to the Honourable Minister of Labour a week after the conclusion of the engagement.
“Based on the MOU, NUPENG agreed to suspend the industrial action with immediate effect.”
Reacting to the agreement, NUPENG President, Comrade (Prince) Williams Eniredonana Akporeha, described it as victory for the country’s entire workforce and the masses in general, while commending the media and other unions for their solidarity.
An elated Comrade Akporeha volunteered to the press thus, “Victory is ours finally. We have won. We are calling off the strike and will resume work immediately.
“The Communique granting recognition for unionisation in Dangote group has finally been signed by all parties. Thank you all for the support and solidarity”.
