The much-anticipated consultative meeting between the Federal Government, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), Dangote Group, and other key stakeholders ended in a stalemate on Monday, September 8, 2025.
Naija News reports that this development has left many Nigerians anxious as the union pressed ahead with its strike.
The meeting, convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, was aimed at resolving the brewing labour dispute between NUPENG and Dangote Group over alleged anti-union policies at the refinery.
Although the meeting had been scheduled for 3:00pm, it did not commence until after 5:00pm, raising frustrations among stakeholders.
However, as of press time, no official communique was issued by the Labour Minister, NUPENG President Williams Akporeha, or representatives of the Dangote Group.
Speaking earlier, Dingyadi had underscored the importance of the dialogue, noting: “We are here to try and reconcile our labour unions in the oil industry and the employers in Dangote Group. This is not the first time we are having this kind of dispute.”
However, an industry stakeholder who attended the parley told Daily Post that the talks yielded little progress.
“Details are still sketchy. However, it seems there is no agreement yet. I should know from tomorrow (Tuesday),” he said.
NUPENG Enforces Strike, Depots Shut
Naija News reports that despite the Abuja meeting, NUPENG moved ahead with its industrial action, shutting down major depots and filling stations in Lagos and Warri on Monday.
The action has already begun to disrupt economic activities in some parts of the country. In Warri, transport fares reportedly spiked as motorists grappled with limited fuel supply.
In Abuja, however, fuel prices as of Monday night remained largely unchanged at ₦885 to ₦910 per litre, except at Empire Filling Station, which sold at ₦950 per litre.
With other unions including the Petroleum Products Retail Outlets Owners Association of Nigeria (PETROAN), the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN), the Natural Oil and Gas Suppliers Association of Nigeria (NOGASA), and the Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners (NARTO) threatening to mobilise their members, fears of a nationwide fuel scarcity have heightened.
Industry observers warn that if the strike spreads, petrol prices may rise sharply across the country in the coming days.
NUPENG has accused the Dangote Group of seeking to roll out 4,000 compressed natural gas (CNG) trucks for petroleum product distribution while blocking drivers from unionising.
Union president Williams Akporeha insisted the policy was anti-labour, describing it as an attempt to enslave workers.
Dangote, however, has defended its position, maintaining that it would proceed with its operational policy.
The National President of the Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Abubakar Maigandi, stressed the need for dialogue.
“Both parties need to come to a sustainable resolution for the good of all Nigerians,” Maigandi told journalists.
For now, however, with talks stalled and depots closed, Nigerians face the prospect of fresh fuel scarcity and higher prices if the standoff persists.
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