NUPENG Threatens to Resume Nationwide Strike Over Dangote Refinery Dispute

By Ademola Adekusibe

September 11, 2025

The Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has threatened to resume its suspended nationwide strike, accusing Dangote Refinery and its partners of breaching an agreement that guaranteed workers’ rights.

In a statement signed by the union’s President, Williams Akporeha, and General Secretary, Afolabi Olawale, NUPENG alleged that Alhaji Sayyu Dantata, founder of MRS Oil, ordered unionized truck drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their vehicles. The directive, the union said, violates the deal reached earlier this year at the Department of State Services (DSS) to protect union operations.

According to NUPENG, Dantata’s drivers were also instructed to force their way into Dangote Refinery to carry out loadings against union regulations. The union claims that when its officials resisted, refinery management brought in security operatives, including naval officers, to back the drivers.

“These are clear acts of provocation and a gross violation of the resolution signed with the involvement of federal ministers, the DSS, and stakeholders,” NUPENG said.

The union has now placed all members on “red alert” and is mobilizing support from the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC), civil society groups, and international labour bodies in preparation for possible industrial action.

Dangote Refinery has dismissed the allegations as “cheap blackmail” and denied violating any agreement.

Observers warn that if NUPENG goes ahead with its strike, fuel distribution across the country will be disrupted, leading to shortages and possible pump price increases.

The federal government is yet to officially respond, but industry stakeholders are calling for urgent intervention to avert another round of economic hardship.