NUPENG Threatens to Resume Strike, Accuses Dangote Refinery of Breaching Union Deal
Barely 48 hours after suspending its nationwide strike, the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) has accused the management of Dangote Refinery of violating a key agreement on workers' union rights.
In a statement signed by President Williams Akporeha and General Secretary Afolabi Olawale, the union said it may resume the industrial action following Dangote’s alleged disregard for resolutions reached during a meeting with the Federal Government, labour leaders, and the Department of State Services (DSS).
The union claims that despite a signed Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) affirming workers’ rights to unionise, Dangote officials have since ordered long-time unionised truck drivers to remove NUPENG stickers from their vehicles.
NUPENG also warned against the misuse of state security agencies, urging the Federal Government not to allow institutions like the Navy to be used to suppress workers’ rights.
The earlier agreement, reached on September 8 and facilitated by the DSS and the Ministry of Labour, stated that the process of unionisation at the refinery would begin immediately and be completed within two weeks. It also included a clause against victimisation of workers.
The MoU was signed by representatives of Dangote Group, the NLC, TUC, NUPENG, and government officials.
NUPENG had originally embarked on the strike after alleging that Dangote Refinery was hiring new drivers on the condition that they reject union membership — a claim the company has denied.
The refinery, Africa’s largest, has been under scrutiny for monopolistic concerns and recent tensions with tanker operators as it prepares to roll out compressed natural gas-powered trucks to replace existing diesel fleets.
NUPENG has now placed its members on "red alert" and called on the labour community and civil society groups to stand in solidarity, warning of a possible resumption of the strike if the situation is not resolved.
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