Efforts by the Federal Government to resolve a standoff between the Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG) and the Dangote Refinery ended in a stalemate early Monday, with both sides refusing to reach a compromise.
The marathon emergency meeting, convened in Abuja by the Federal Ministry of Labour and Employment, aimed to address NUPENG’s allegations of anti-union practices at the Dangote Refinery.
Presiding over the talks, Labour Minister Alhaji Muhammad Dingyadi confirmed that no agreement had been reached.
“We’ve not been able to reach a final agreement. Negotiations will continue. Hopefully, we’ll resolve this soon,” he told reporters.
He urged all parties to remain calm as discussions proceed.
However, the meeting reportedly collapsed after representatives from the Dangote Group walked out, a move that angered labour leaders.
Mr. Benson Upah, Acting General Secretary of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), accused Dangote’s team of undermining the negotiation:
“They walked out on the Honourable Minister and Organised Labour. Even when we made concessions, they refused to engage sincerely. We’re left with no option, the strike continues.”
Despite the breakdown, Upah said the labour movement remains open to meaningful dialogue.
“We are ready to talk, even tonight, if they come back. But we cannot negotiate with ourselves.”
NUPENG President Williams Akporeha strongly criticized the Dangote Refinery, accusing it of attempting to suppress workers’ rights and monopolise Nigeria’s energy sector.
“We cannot support an investor who seeks to enslave Nigerians. The refinery has refused to let workers unionise. Nigerians have supported him; he should not repay them with oppression.”
Akporeha warned that the union’s ongoing action is in the interest of all Nigerian workers.
“Dangote cannot take us back to the dark days of slavery. We say no to this.”
