A closed-door meeting between the Federal Government, labour unions, and the Dangote Group has ended without a resolution, leaving the planned industrial action by the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) uncertain.
The meeting, led by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, aimed to resolve the dispute between NUPENG and the Dangote Group over alleged anti-labour practices.
NUPENG had announced plans to down tools on Monday, September 8, 2025, citing the Dangote Group’s alleged attempts to prevent its compressed natural gas (CNG) tanker drivers from joining labour unions.
Despite efforts by the Federal Government to broker peace, the meeting ended in a deadlock.
The Minister of Labour and Employment, Mohammed Dingyadi, appealed to NUPENG to suspend the strike and give room for dialogue, warning that the industrial action could have severe economic implications.
Human rights lawyer Femi Falana, SAN, backed NUPENG’s position, stating that the Dangote Group’s policy contravened the Constitution and international agreements.
The Minister of State for Health, Isaq Salako, warned that a nationwide strike by NUPENG would severely impact hospitals across the country due to their reliance on fuel-powered generators.
The situation remained uncertain, with NUPENG set to proceed with its planned industrial action.
The Federal Government’s efforts to resolve the dispute were ongoing, but the deadlock in negotiations has raised concerns about the potential impact on the economy and the public.
