FG urges NUPENG, NLC to shelve planned action against Dangote Group

The Federal Government has appealed to the National Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) to reconsider their planned nationwide strike against the Dangote Group over alleged anti-union practices, stressing that dialogue remains the best way to resolve the dispute.

In a statement on Sunday, Head of Information and Public Relations, Patience Onuobia, disclosed that the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Maigari Dingyadi, has intervened and invited all parties to a conciliation meeting scheduled for Monday, September 8, 2025.

Dingyadi urged NUPENG to rescind its decision to shut down the nation’s petroleum sector, warning that even a day-long strike could unleash devastating consequences on Nigeria’s economy and citizens’ welfare. He also called on the NLC to withdraw the red alert it had issued to its affiliates to prepare for a solidarity strike in support of NUPENG’s protest against the Dangote Group’s alleged anti-workers policies.

“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 its decision to shut down the petroleum sector. I also appeal to the NLC to withdraw the red alert it issued to its affiliate unions to prepare for a nationwide strike in solidarity with NUPENG,” the Minister said.

ALSO READ:Oyo govt launches construction of 400,000-litre water tank project to transform Ibadan airport

Highlighting the risks of disrupting petroleum supply, Dingyadi stressed that the sector remains the backbone of the country’s economy. According to him, a strike would not only lead to massive revenue losses running into billions of naira but also inflict hardship on Nigerians who rely heavily on petroleum products for daily life and economic activities.

“The petroleum sector is very important to this country. It constitutes the core of the nation’s economy. A strike in the petroleum sector, even for just a day, will have an adverse impact on the economy. It will not only lead to heavy revenue losses, but also cause untold hardship for Nigerians,” he warned.

The Minister assured the public that the Federal Government is committed to an amicable resolution, expressing confidence that dialogue and cooperation would lead to a lasting solution that safeguards workers’ rights, respects unionism, and ensures stability in the petroleum sector.

“Hence, I plead with the unions to give peace a chance. I assure them that this matter will be resolved amicably to the satisfaction of all the parties involved,” Dingyadi added.

TRIBUNEONLINE