FG Brokers Peace Between NUPENG, Dangote as Union Suspends Strike

By Chinedu Echianu

The Federal Government has successfully brokered peace between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Limited, leading to the suspension of the union’s strike.

NUPENG had embarked on the industrial action on Monday, in protest against the refinery’s policy barring employees from unionising with registered labour unions.

Following two days of conciliation talks convened by the Minister of Labour and Employment, Muhammad Dingyadi, both parties signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) on Tuesday in Abuja, paving the way for resolution. The meeting, which began at the Labour Ministry, was later continued at the Department of State Services (DSS) headquarters.

Under the terms of the MoU, Dangote Refinery agreed to allow workers who wish to unionise to do so freely, with the process expected to begin immediately and conclude within two weeks, from September 9 to 22. The company also pledged not to establish any parallel union.

It was further resolved that no employee would face victimisation for participating in the strike, while both parties are to report back to the Minister of Labour a week after the unionisation process is concluded.

The agreement was signed by key stakeholders, including the Managing Director of Dangote Group, Sayyu Dantata; NUPENG President, Comrade Akporeha Williams; NUPENG General Secretary, Comrade Afolabi Olawale; NLC representative, Benson Upah; TUC representative, Comrade N.A. Toro; NMDPRA representative, O.K. Ukoha; Otunba Jibrin of Dangote Group; and Falonipe Amos, Director of Trade Union Services and Industrial Relations, who signed on behalf of the Labour Minister.

Minister Dingyadi expressed gratitude to all parties, including the DSS, for their role in achieving a peaceful settlement. He commended the leadership of the Dangote Group, NUPENG, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) for their cooperation during the negotiations.