The Federal Government has called on the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) to reconsider its decision to initiate a nationwide strike starting Monday, September 8, 2025.
The dispute centers around the Dangote Group’s policy that allegedly restrains its employees from associating with unions in the industry.
Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, made the call in a statement, signed by the head of information in the ministry, Patience Onuobia.
Dingyadi appealed to NUPENG to postpone the strike and to the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to retract its red alert urging affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG.
The Minister also stated that a conciliation meeting would be held on Monday, September 8, 2025, to resolve the dispute.
His words: “I have invited all the parties for a conciliation meeting tomorrow, Monday, September 8, 2025. Since I have intervened, I plead with NUPENG to rescind their decision to shut down the petroleum sector from tomorrow.
“I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to be on standby for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG. The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the country’s economy, he added.
The minister expressed concerns about the potential impact of the strike on the economy, citing heavy revenue losses and untold hardship for Nigerians.
He further assured that the dispute would be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all parties involved.
Despite the government’s appeal, NUPENG has reaffirmed its commitment to proceed with the planned industrial action, citing the Dangote Group’s alleged efforts to bar its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from affiliating with labour unions.
Meanwhile, human rights lawyer, Femi Falana, SAN, has backed NUPENG’s proposed strike, asserting that the Dangote Group’s policy violates several international agreements and Nigerian law.
Chief Falana urged the Federal Government to call Dangote to order, citing violations of Nigerian laws and international agreements.
The Petroleum Tanker Drivers (PTD) and the Direct Trucking Company Drivers Association (DTCDA) have declared their refusal to participate in the planned strike.
