Negotiations between the management of Dangote Industries Limited and the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) have ended in a stalemate, raising concerns of an imminent strike that could disrupt fuel supply across the country.
The meeting, which was convened to resolve disagreements over workers’ welfare, safety standards, and conditions of service within Dangote’s oil and gas subsidiaries, failed to produce a consensus despite hours of deliberation.
NUPENG officials accused the company of neglecting key demands, including better remuneration, improved working conditions, and recognition of workers’ rights to unionise without intimidation.
“Our members are frustrated. The talks have yielded nothing concrete, and the management is still unwilling to meet our legitimate demands. We cannot continue to work under such conditions,” a senior NUPENG representative said after the meeting.
Dangote Industries, however, maintained that it is committed to constructive dialogue, but stressed that some of the union’s demands were “unrealistic” given the current economic situation. A company spokesperson added that management had already made concessions in certain areas and urged NUPENG to return to the negotiation table in good faith.
The deadlock has heightened fears of a nationwide disruption in petroleum product distribution if the union proceeds with its planned industrial action. Industry stakeholders have appealed to both parties to urgently resolve the impasse to avoid crippling economic activities.
The Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment is expected to intervene in the coming days to mediate between the two sides and avert a strike.
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